Rheumatoid arthritis

Mrs. H, age 42 years, is experiencing severe rheumatoid arthritis in her wrists, fingers, and knees. The joints are quite inflamed, red, and swollen. She is sitting rigidly in a chair and refuses to put on a sweater, even though she is shivering, or let anyone touch her arms. She has been prescribed an analgesic and an anti-inflammatory drug, but her dose is not due for another hour. She is feeling nauseated, so she has not eaten for the past 8 hours.

1. Based on patient history and the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, discuss how the effects of pain are exacerbating her condition.

2. Explain why Mrs. H is “cranky” and uncooperative. What interventions other than medication may help her tolerate the pain?

3. Discuss in what category of pain this patient’s condition may be classified, acute or chronic and the potential treatment strategies and mechanisms involved to relieve the pain being experienced by the patient.