Pathophysiology
RA is an autoimmune disease that primarily affects this body system.
What is the musculoskeletal system?
Morning stiffness lasting more than this amount of time suggests RA.
What is more than 30 minutes?
This blood test is commonly positive in RA.
What is Rheumatoid Factor (RF)?
This drug is the first-line DMARD for RA.
What is Methotrexate?
Rest and activity balance help reduce this common RA symptom.
What is fatigue?
In RA, the immune system attacks this joint lining.
What is the synovium?
RA typically affects joints in this pattern.
What is symmetrical?
This antibody is more specific for RA than RF.
What is Anti-CCP?
NSAIDs are used in RA primarily for this purpose.
What is pain and inflammation relief?
Joint protection techniques help prevent this complication.
What is joint deformity?
This process causes the synovial membrane to thicken and form pannus.
What is inflammation?
These nodules may appear over pressure points in RA.
What are rheumatoid nodules?
Elevated ESR and CRP indicate this underlying process.
What is inflammation?
Biologic agents such as etanercept block this inflammatory mediator.
What is TNF-alpha?
Heat therapy is most effective for relieving this symptom.
What is joint stiffness?
Pannus leads to the destruction of these two joint structures.
What are cartilage and bone?
Three classic joint symptoms in RA are pain, swelling, and this.
What is stiffness?
X-rays of RA joints may show narrowing and this
What are erosions?
Long-term corticosteroids increase the risk for this bone condition.
What is osteoporosis?
Occupational therapy assists RA patients with these daily tasks.
What are activities of daily living (ADLs)?
RA most commonly begins in these joints.
What are the small joints of the hands and feet?
RA can also cause systemic symptoms such as fatigue, fever, and this.
What is weight loss?
The gold standard for confirming RA joint damage is this imaging.
What is MRI?
Hydroxychloroquine is a DMARD originally used to treat this disease.
What is malaria?
The overall goal of RA management is to control inflammation and prevent this.
What is joint damage and disability?