Final answer:
During a RA flare-up, elevated blood markers include rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-CCP, CRP, and ESR, indicating inflammation and autoimmune activity.
Step-by-step explanation:
During a rheumatoid arthritis (RA) flare-up, blood tests would likely show elevated levels of certain markers that indicate inflammation and immune system activity. These include rheumatoid factor (RF), anticyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (anti-CCP), C-reactive protein (CRP), and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). RA is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints, leading to pain, swelling, and damage.
The increase in these markers reflects the immune system's active response against the body's own joint tissues. The diagnosis of RA involves a combination of clinical symptoms and test results, with imaging such as X-rays or MRI scans potentially showing joint damage like erosion and narrowing of joint spaces.