Nurse 125 Exam 4 Review Questions and Correct Answers

What is the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis? Long-term exposure to unidentified antigen Normal antibodies become autoantibodies called rheumatoid factors Cartilage damage from three processes Neutrophils, T cells, other synovial fluid cells activated, degrade surface layer of articular cartilage Cytokines cause chondrocytes to attack cartilage Synovium digests nearby cartilage Formation of pannus tissue List the general joint manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis Typically polyarticular symmetrical Stiffness In morning lasting more than 1 hour May be more severe after strenuous activity Feel spongelike may be weakness Clinical Manifestations of Rheumatoid Arthritis in the hands and fingers Swan-neck deformity Boutonnière deformity Clinical Manifestations of Rheumatoid Arthritis in the knees •Visible swelling •Joint instability •Quadriceps atrophy •Contractures •Knock-knee Clinical Manifestations of Rheumatoid Arthritis in the ankles & knees •Ambulation limited by pain, deformities •Subluxation •Hallux valgus, lateral deviation of toes •Cock-up toes Clinical Manifestations of Rheumatoid Arthritis in the spine •Usually limited to cervical vertebrae