Osteoarthritis (OA), Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
Learning Guide
1. Complete the following table:
Risk
Factors
Pathophysiology
Manifestations
OA
RA
Articular
Systemic
SLE
Articular
Systemic
Dermatologic
Musculoskeletal
Cardiopulmonary
Renal
Nervous System
Hematologic
Infection
Diagnostic
Tests
2. Describe the complications that can occur for:
a. Osteoarthritis
b. Rheumatoid Arthritis
c. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
3. What should be included in a nursing assessment for?
a. Osteoarthritis
b. Rheumatoid Arthritis
c. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
4. Designate the steps that the nurse can take in health promotion related to:
a. Osteoarthritis
b. Rheumatoid Arthritis
c. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
5. Complete the following table:
Drug
Side Effects
Salicylates
Nursing Considerations
NSAIDS
Intraarticular
corticosteroids
Systemic
Corticosteroids
DMARDS methotrexate
AntimalarialsPlaquenil
ImmunosuppressantsImuran
Biologic/Targeted
Humira
Enbrel
Viscosupplementation
Hyaluronic Acid (HA)
Antibiotic
Doxycycline,
Monocycline
Supplementation:
Glucosamine
Chondroitin sulfate
6. For each of the following nursing diagnoses and goals related to osteoarthritis,
designate appropriate nursing interventions:
a. Acute and chronic pain related to physical activity and lack of knowledge of
pain self-management techniques
1) Goal – Use pharmacologic and non pharmacologic strategies to
manage pain satisfactorily
2) Interventions:
b. Impaired physical mobility related to weakness, stiffness, or pain on
ambulation
1) Goal – maintain or improve joint function through a balance of rest
and activity
2) Interventions:
c. Self-care deficits related to joint deformity and pain with activity
1) Goal - achieve independence in self-care and maintain optimal role
function
2) Interventions:
7. Describe nursing interventions and appropriate teaching for the client with
Rheumatoid Arthritis related to:
a. non pharmacologic relief of pain
b. Rest and managing early morning joint stiffness
c. joint protection
d. heat and cold therapy
e. psychological support
f.
nutrition
8. Describe nursing interventions and appropriate teaching for the client with Systemic
Lupus Erythematosus related to:
a. skin integrity
b. pregnancy
c. stress management