Term
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Definition
- Reoccurring arthritis that stems from increased uric acid
- Primary: producing or retaining too much uric acid
- Secondary: comes from problem excreting uric acid
- Risks: diuretic use, kidney disease, excessive alcohol intake, diet high in purine
- Diagnosis: high serum uric acid levels (>6 in women, >7 in men), 24 hour uric acid test (tests excretion), x-rays in later stages, synovial fluid aspiration (crystals in fluid)
- Signs and symptoms: sudden and severe joint pain, frequently occurs at night, possible fever that breaks within a week or two, presents as RA in the elderly
- Medications: allopurinol (long term), Probenecid
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Term
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Definition
- Systemic autoimmune disorder
- Characterized by periods of remission and exacerbations, can affect any part of the body (bone, muscle, joint), can have symptoms not related to the joint, can destroy joints down the bone
- Risks: genetics, smoking, predisposition to rheumatoid factor, women 40-60 years of age, stressful events can trigger first attack
- Signs and symptoms: symmetrical and insidious onset, general malaise, joint stiffness, extraarticular manifestations, fever
- Diagnosis: rheumatoid factor test, synovial fluid aspiration (yellowing), ESR/CRP inflammatory markers
- Treatment: steroids, methotrexate, DMARD, plaquenil, antibiotics, surgical intervention
- Nursing care: rest, hot shower/bath, psychosocial support, proper body alignment, joint protection
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Term
| Extraarticular manifestations in RA |
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Definition
- Nodules: subcutaneous, can cause skin breakdown
- Sjogren's syndrome: decreased lacrimal and salivary glands
- Felty's syndrome: splenomegaly, eye inflammation
- Flexion contractures
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Term
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Definition
- Slowly progressing wear down of joint cartilage, no cure
- Diagnosis: bone scan, x-ray
- Treatment: pain management, topicals, steroids, surgery (joint replacement), antibiotics
- Nursing care: rest, joint protection, heat and cold application, assistive devices, nutrition
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Term
| Total Hip/Knee Arthroplasty |
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Definition
- Joint replacement
- Nursing care: hip abductor pillows, preop/postop care, DVT prevention, knee stabilization
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