Question

Mrs. Jefferson has visible deformities in the fingers on both hands, and she says her fingers hurt most of the time. The practitioner has diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis. Mrs. Jefferson confesses that she does not know much about this disorder and asks what causes it. What should the medical assistant tell her?

Answer 1

Answer: Hi! Please see the explanation below!

Explanation: The medical assistant should, firstly, be compassionate for Mrs. Jefferson — not only because they are obligated to be empathetic as a health care provider but because they need to explain a potentially frightening (and somewhat manageable) situation.

Secondly, I believe that the medical assistant should offer general information, side effects and risks of the disorder, and treatment options for this condition (medicines, physical therapy, etc.) Before the patient leaves the office, a follow-up of some sort should be discussed and planned; this will assure that the patient can see her doctor again to report any new effects, symptoms, etc.

Answer 2

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease; the body's immune system attacks the joints.