This article examines the complexities of identifying the signs and symptoms of patients presenting with rheumatoid arthritis. The author outlines the guidelines for the medical management of the disease and discusses how nurses in all care settings can support the treatment and care of these patients.
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have complex management needs, and older people experience additional challenges in accessing care and maintaining function. Community nurses have a vital role in supporting older people with RA. Along with a description of the presentation, diagnosis and management of RA, this article outlines the particular challenges associated with RA in older people and how community nurses can contribute to assessing patients and helping to meet their needs for care.
This article discusses the need for early referral and proactive management of patients with rheumatoid arthritis to achieve optimal treatment outcomes.
Part 1 of this article, in last month’s Nursing Older People , identified the major musculoskeletal disorders affecting older people, the signs and symptoms of these and drug therapies available. Part 2 discusses non-pharmacological treatment options, patient education, multi-disciplinary support and how people living with musculoskeletal disorders can be helped to achieve quality of life
Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common form of inflammatory joint disease in the UK, affecting about one million people (Hill and Ryan 2000). The authors discuss the patterns of presentation, clinical features and nursing management of this condition.