Final answer:
Anesthetic considerations for a patient with severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) include using a volatile anesthetic, avoiding neuromuscular blockade, administering high-dose opioids, and maintaining normothermia.
Step-by-step explanation:
Anesthetic considerations for a patient with severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) include:
- Using a volatile anesthetic to minimize myocardial depression.
- Avoiding neuromuscular blockade due to potential adverse effects.
- Administering high-dose opioids to control pain and reduce sympathetic response.
- Maintaining normothermia to prevent exacerbation of rheumatoid symptoms.