Chapter 43: Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis Assessment and Care

What is osteoarthritis (OA)?

A progressive deterioration and loss of articular cartilage and bone in one or more joints, leading to impaired mobility, persistent pain, and disability.

What are the primary risk factors for osteoarthritis?

Aging and genetics, with weight-bearing joints like hips, knees, and hands most commonly affected.

What is secondary osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis that occurs less frequently and can result from joint injury, obesity, or other joint diseases at younger ages.

What is crepitus in the context of osteoarthritis?

A grating sound caused by loosened bone and cartilage in the diseased joint.

What are common physical assessment findings in osteoarthritis?

Persistent joint pain and stiffness, crepitus, hard/enlarged joints, and Heberden and Bouchard nodes.

What laboratory findings are associated with osteoarthritis?

Elevated ESR and high-sensitivity C-reactive proteins.

What is the primary goal of interventions for osteoarthritis?

To manage persistent pain and improve mobility.

What are some non-pharmacologic interventions for osteoarthritis?

Rest balanced with exercise, joint positioning, heat and cold therapy, and weight control.

What is rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?

A chronic, progressive systemic inflammatory autoimmune disease that affects the synovial joints.

What triggers exacerbations in rheumatoid arthritis?

Physical and emotional stress.

What are early signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?

Joint inflammation, generalized weakness, fatigue, low-grade fever, and weight loss.

What are late signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?

Progressive joint inflammation, pain, morning stiffness, joint deformities, and extreme fatigue.

What is Sjogren syndrome?

A condition associated with rheumatoid arthritis characterized by dry eyes, dry mouth, and dry vagina.

What is the first-line disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) for rheumatoid arthritis?

Methotrexate.

What are common non-pharmacologic interventions for rheumatoid arthritis?

Rest, proper positioning, ice/heat therapy, and plasmapheresis.

What are the common drug therapies for rheumatoid arthritis?

NSAIDs, biological response modifiers, DMARDs, and glucocorticoids.

What are the characteristic deformities associated with rheumatoid arthritis?

Boutonnière deformity and swan-neck deformity.

What is the typical age of onset for rheumatoid arthritis?

35-45 years.

How does osteoarthritis typically present in terms of joint involvement?

May be unilateral and affects weight-bearing joints and hands, with metacarpophalangeal joints spared.

What are the laboratory findings in rheumatoid arthritis?

Elevated rheumatoid factor, antinuclear antibody, and ESR.

What lifestyle changes can help manage osteoarthritis?

Maintaining proper nutrition, preventing injuries, and staying active.

What are the psychosocial impacts of chronic arthritis?

Persistent pain can interfere with quality of life, leading to depression and anxiety.

What is the role of imaging in diagnosing osteoarthritis?

X-rays can determine structural joint changes; MRIs can assess vertebral or knee involvement.

What is the impact of obesity on osteoarthritis?

Obesity is a significant risk factor and can exacerbate the condition.

What is the significance of Heberden and Bouchard nodes?

They are bony growths associated with osteoarthritis, typically found in the fingers.

What is the difference between systemic and nonsystemic arthritis?

Systemic arthritis affects the whole body and multiple joints, while nonsystemic arthritis is localized.