Question

A client with rheumatold arthritis has an elevated serum rheumatoid factor. Which interpretation of this finding should the nurse make?

a. Evidence of spread of the disease to the kidneys.
b. Representative of a decline in the client's condition.
c. Confirmation of the autoimmune disease process.
d. Indication of the onset of joint degeneration.

Answer 1

An elevated serum rheumatoid factor in a client with rheumatoid arthritis confirms the autoimmune disease process.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a client with rheumatoid arthritis has an elevated serum rheumatoid factor, the nurse should interpret this finding as confirmation of the autoimmune disease process. Rheumatoid factor (RF) antibodies are produced in response to the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy tissue, which is a characteristic of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. The presence of elevated RF levels is a diagnostic marker for RA, along with other blood tests such as anti-CCP and C-reactive protein.