Advanced Pathophysiology

NURS 6501: Advanced Pathophysiology

Arthritis

Lorie Valentin RN, BSN

Arthritis

            Osteoarthritis (OA) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) are both diseases of the joints. Each is characterized by pain, swelling and stiffening of joints throughout the body (Huether & McCance, 2017). The most common joints affected are the hands, knees, hips and spine (Huether & McCance, 2017). In OA the breakdown of cartilage within the joints causes causing damage to the underlying bone and tissue. This breakdown causes a disruption of the fluid distribution mechanism within the joints allowing to much fluid into the cartilage, which in turn causes swelling in the joint and a weakening of the cartilage. As the cartilage weakens, breakdown occurs and causes further damage to the underlying boney structures, which leads to pain, inflammation and deformity of the joints. The most common cause of OA is repeated compression of the joints due to repetitive motion or constant pressure such as weight on the knees. In RA the causative factors are related to the increase of the synovial membrane comprised of pro-inflammatory cytokines (Hammer & McPhee, 2019). Where this increased lining comes in contact with out tissues such as cartilage and bone, it causes breakdown of those tissues.

Influencing Factors

            Though the rates for developing the disease are relatively equal in all parts of the world women are 30 percent more likely to develop RA than men (Hammer & McPhee, 2019). However, though the incidence rates are relatively equal between men and women, as they age women are typically more profoundly affected by OA (Huether & McCance, 2017). Ethnicity does not appear to play a major role in either disorder as it strikes individuals equally in different areas of the world (Hammer & McPhee, 2019).

Diagnosis and Treatment

            The diagnosis for OA is best achieved through thorough examination, in depth history, and radiological imaging to look for joint deformities (Huether & McCance, 2017).  The treatment for OA is based on the severity of the deterioration of the adjacent bone tissue in the joint. For mild to moderate disease physical therapy and exercise along with anti-inflammatory medications can improve mobility and pain. By improving muscle tone and flexibility many of the symptoms can be relieved. Possible addition of supplements and changes in diet can help decrease the inflammation characteristic of OA. More aggressive treatment for progressive disease might include steroid injections or surgery to replace the joint.

            The diagnosis for RA is much more complicated and is reliant on physical assessment, history and presentation. The most significant finding during evaluation that would point to RA is the swelling of the joints. Treatment should be immediate and aggressive to reduce the deterioration of the joint and the potential for damage to other organs within the body (Hammer & McPhee, 2019). Initial treatment for RA should be started with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), such as methotrexate, sulfasalazine, or leflunomide (Huether & McCance, 2017). Like OA, RA treatment should also include physical and occupational therapy to improve muscle tone and flexibility as well as anti-inflammatory medications such as NSAIDS and steroids.

References

Hammer, G. D., & McPhee, S. J. (2019). Pathophysiology of disease: An introduction to clinical

medicine (8th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education

Huether, S. E., & McCance, K. L. (2017). Understanding pathophysiology (6th ed.). St. Louis,

MO: Mosby

Bottom of Form

 

Calculate the price of your order

550 words
We'll send you the first draft for approval by September 11, 2018 at 10:52 AM
Total price:
$26
The price is based on these factors:
Academic level
Number of pages
Urgency
Basic features
  • Free title page and bibliography
  • Unlimited revisions
  • Plagiarism-free guarantee
  • Money-back guarantee
  • 24/7 support
On-demand options
  • Writer’s samples
  • Part-by-part delivery
  • Overnight delivery
  • Copies of used sources
  • Expert Proofreading
Paper format
  • 275 words per page
  • 12 pt Arial/Times New Roman
  • Double line spacing
  • Any citation style (APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian, Harvard)

Our guarantees

Delivering a high-quality product at a reasonable price is not enough anymore.
That’s why we have developed 5 beneficial guarantees that will make your experience with our service enjoyable, easy, and safe.

Money-back guarantee

You have to be 100% sure of the quality of your product to give a money-back guarantee. This describes us perfectly. Make sure that this guarantee is totally transparent.

Read more

Zero-plagiarism guarantee

Each paper is composed from scratch, according to your instructions. It is then checked by our plagiarism-detection software. There is no gap where plagiarism could squeeze in.

Read more

Free-revision policy

Thanks to our free revisions, there is no way for you to be unsatisfied. We will work on your paper until you are completely happy with the result.

Read more

Privacy policy

Your email is safe, as we store it according to international data protection rules. Your bank details are secure, as we use only reliable payment systems.

Read more

Fair-cooperation guarantee

By sending us your money, you buy the service we provide. Check out our terms and conditions if you prefer business talks to be laid out in official language.

Read more