Final answer:
Expected outcomes of medications for rheumatoid arthritis include decreased inflammation and pain, improvement in joint flexibility and mobility, and reduction in autoimmune response and swelling, aiming to reduce symptoms and prevent further joint damage.
Step-by-step explanation:
When medications are given for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), some of the expected outcomes include:
- A) Decreased inflammation and pain: Medications help lessen joint inflammation and the associated pain which is a hallmark of RA.
- B) Regeneration of lost cartilage: While current treatments don't directly regenerate lost cartilage, they aim to prevent further damage.
- C) Improvement in joint flexibility and mobility: By reducing inflammation, there is often an improvement in joint function and ease of movement.
- D) Reduction in autoimmune response and swelling: Medications can modify the immune response to slow the progression of the disease and decrease swelling around the joints.
There is currently no cure for RA; however, treatments are aimed at reducing symptoms and damage to bones and cartilage. This includes using anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin, corticosteroid injections, and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, which may slow the progression of the disease by reducing the autoimmune response.