Rheumatoid Arthritis Case Study

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Pages: 4

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that occurs when your immune system attacks your own body's tissues. RA affects the lining of the joints, causing a painful swelling. The resulting inflammation thickens the synovium, which can eventually destroy the cartilage and bone within the joint. Signs and symptoms of RA may include tender and warm, swollen joints, morning stiffness that may last for hours, fatigue, and fever. The cause of RA is not yet fully understood, although doctors do know that an abnormal response of the immune system plays a leading role in the inflammation and joint damage that occurs. No one knows for sure why the immune system goes awry, but there is scientific evidence that genes, hormones and environmental factors are involved. Medical treatment should …show more content…
To build her strength and coordination with her non-dominate hand, the patient can play a game of Bingo using an oversized game board placed on the floor and is required to use a reacher to place the oversized pieces down on the board. This activity incorporates one of her favorite games, making it meaningful, and it is working on her coordination, grip strength, and getting her used to using the AE.
B: To improve the patients functional mobility, she will be introduced to and educated on how to use a quad cane for walking, in replace of her current straight cane. A quad cane will give her more support and stability when walking, especially when using it in her non-dominate hand. The patient will need functional mobility to get around her apartment when returning home. The OTP will have the patient practice using the cane while walking through the hospital. Different flooring types and spaces should be used to simulate what she will experience when at