Arthritis
Inflammation of one or more joints with an unknown cause.
Types:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis - a chronic systematic, diffuse disease characterized by inflammatory changes in joints and realted structures resulting in deformities.
Signs and Symptoms:
- Morning stiffness around the joints
- Arthritis of three or more joints areas simultaneously have had soft tissue swelling or fluid observe by the physician.
- Arthritis of hand joints one area swollen.
- Symmetric arthritis affecting both sides of the joints
- Rheumatoid nodules a cyst like formation over the joints.
2. Osteoarthritis - a chronic non systemic, non inflammatory disease involving the weight bearing joints
3. Gouty arthritis - accumulation of uric acid crystals with in the joints.
Symptoms:
- stiffness in the morning
- limitation of movement
- pain increases when affected part is used
- elevated body temperature
Management:
- Teach client to balance rest and activity.
- Application of heat to affected part.
- Encourage continued follow - up
- Counsel client and family regarding the importance of well balanced diet and if obesity is a problem, weight education is needed.
- Prepare client for possible surgery
- For gouty arthritis, instruct client to observe low-purin diet.
- Encourage daily intake of fluids to prevent precipitation of uric acid.
