NCLEX Review & Nursing School

Rheumatoid Arthritis

– it is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease, which leads to the destruction of connective tissues and synovial membrane within the joints.

Assessment:

• Fatigue
• Malaise
• Anorexia
• Weight Loss

As the disease progresses, assesss for more specific localized joint symptoms

• bilateral, symmetrical symptoms
• may extend to the wrists, elbows, knees and ankles
• warm, tender edamatous, painfull joints w/ stiffness