In: Nursing
You are treating a patient who has an established history of RA, coming to you with complaints of increased pain. The patient’s current, daily treatment consists of Motrin 400 mg tid and an occasional ASA throughout the day.
What are your thoughts on the patient’s current treatment? What, if any, treatment changes would you initiate?
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease.it leads to destruction of connective tissue and synovial membrane within the joints.It occurs in women more often than in men.it would have been better if the folllowing treatment regimine is added.
Medical management Drug therapy-
a Aspirin is the mainstay of the treatment,has both analgesic and antiinflmmatory effect.
b NSAID relieve pain by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandin
c Gold compounds (Chrysotherapy)
Injectable form ie Sodium thiomalate given IM once a week,taken 3-6 months to become effective .But there will be sideeffects such as proteinuia,mouth ulcers and skin rash.Minitor blood studies and Urineanalysis frequently.Oral form is Auranofin smaller doses are effective ,take 3-6 months to become effective.Corticosteroids intra articular injections which temporarily suppress inflammation in specific joints.Specific administration used only when client does not respond to less potent anti-inflammatory drugs.Methotrexate given to supress immune response.Physical therapy to minimize joint deformities.Surgery to remove severely damaged joints.
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