Signs/Symptoms
A patient reports symmetric joint pain, stiffness worse in the morning, and warmth in the wrists and PIP joints. These findings are most consistent with which disorder?
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Elevated ESR and CRP indicate inflammation. Which additional lab confirms autoimmunity in Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Positive rheumatoid factor
Which two finding help distinguish psoriatic arthritis from RA?
nail pitting and nail bed separation (onycholysis)
Intervention to maintain mobility in ankylosing spondylitis?
Daily stretching and posture exercises
Major concern in lupus nephritis?
Renal failure/HD
This disease can cause skin thickening and decreased oral aperture, making oral hygiene and eating difficult.
Scleroderma
An HIV patient’s CD4 count is 180 cells/mm³. What does this indicate?
Progression of disease and increased risk for opportunistic infections
What does the CREST acronym stand for in limited scleroderma?
Calcinosis, Raynaud’s, Esophageal dysmotility, Sclerodactyly, Telangiectasia
Key teaching point for corticosteroids in lupus?
Avoid crowds and monitor for infection
A fibromyalgia patient is prescribed opioids. What is the nurse’s best action?
Question the order—opioids are not recommended for fibromyalgia
Widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, cognitive disturbances (“brain fog”), and nonrestorative sleep describe this chronic disorder.
Fibromyalgia
Which X-ray finding is indicative of Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Bamboo spine
Photosensitivity, oral ulcers, pleuritic chest pain, and arthritis in multiple joints are hallmark features of this autoimmune disease.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Which disease process should the nurse encourage low-impact exercise, stress management, and proper sleep hygiene for symptom control.
Fibromyalgia
CD4 <200 increases risk for what lung infection?
Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP)
A patient with psoriasis begins to experience dactylitis (“sausage digits”) and nail pitting. These findings suggest development of what condition?
Psoriatic Arthritis
Which imaging study is most sensitive for early RA changes?
MRI
A patient with fibromyalgia reports severe fatigue and “unrefreshing sleep.” Which neurotransmitter imbalance contributes to this?
What are altered serotonin and substance P levels?
for which disease would the nurse administer DMARDs and biologic agents to prevent joint damage and monitor for infection
RA or Psoriatic arthritis
A patient with Scleroderma reports shortness of breath and dry cough. What complication should be suspected?
Pulmonary fibrosis - ILD
Intermittent back pain that improves with activity and worsens with rest is a hallmark sign of this inflammatory disease process.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
A patient with scleroderma has an elevated creatinine and new onset hypertension. What potentially life-threatening complication should the nurse suspect?
Scleroderma renal crisis
A patient with lupus has chest pain, fever, and a friction rub. What complication is suspected, and what should the nurse do?
Pericarditis—monitor vital signs, elevate HOB, and notify provider
An HIV patient forgets several ART doses. What nursing response best supports adherence?
Explore barriers and collaborate on strategies like alarms or pill organizers
Long-term use of corticosteroids in autoimmune disorders can cause which endocrine complication?
Cushings syndrome (iatrogenic)