Question

The nurse is completing a physical assessment with a client demonstrating signs of rheumatoid arthritis. Which findings will the nurse associate with this condition? Select all that apply.

a. Bruises
b. Dry eyes
c. Headaches
d. Weight loss
e. Thinning hair

Answer 1

The nurse will associate findings of dry eyes and weight loss with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an inflammatory autoimmune disorder affecting synovial joints. Other symptoms like bruises and thinning hair are not typically associated with RA. e. Thinning hair

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse assessing a client with signs of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) will associate specific clinical findings with the condition. RA is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by inflammation in the synovial joints, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness. Hormonal factors, particularly estrogen decline in post-menopausal individuals, may influence the development of RA. The disease often presents with systemic manifestations beyond joint involvement.

Among the potential findings, the nurse will look for systemic symptoms such as dry eyes, which may be related to secondary Sjögren's syndrome, a common extra-articular manifestation of RA. Weight loss can also occur in RA, reflecting the systemic inflammation and the increased metabolic demand due to chronic illness. However, symptoms like headaches, bruises, and thinning hair are not directly associated with RA, and if present, they might necessitate further evaluation to rule out other conditions or underlying causes.

Rheumatologists are the specialists who diagnose and manage RA and use various diagnostic tools. Blood tests measuring rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies, and acute-phase reactants including C-reactive protein (CRP) are critical. Imaging techniques like arthrography can detect early degenerative changes in joint cartilage and help confirm the diagnosis.