Exhibits

Nurse analyzes the assessment findings.

Click to indicate which findings are indicative of rheumatoid arthritis or are not applicable to that disease. Each row must have only one response option selected.

Finding: Joint swelling 

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rationale: Joint swelling is a common finding in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA typically causes inflammation in the joints, leading to swelling, pain, and stiffness. This is an indicator of the disease as it often involves multiple joints in a symmetrical pattern.

Finding: Heberden nodes 

Not applicable

Rationale: Heberden nodes are not associated with rheumatoid arthritis but rather with osteoarthritis. These nodes are bony swellings that develop at the distal interphalangeal joints (DIP) of the fingers and are characteristic of osteoarthritis, not RA.

Finding: Symmetrical involvement 

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rationale: Symmetrical joint involvement is a hallmark of rheumatoid arthritis. RA commonly affects joints on both sides of the body in a symmetrical fashion, which helps differentiate it from other forms of arthritis that may not have symmetrical patterns.

Finding: Pain increases with motion 

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rationale: Pain that increases with motion is typical of rheumatoid arthritis. In RA, the affected joints often become more painful with activity, particularly when the joints are inflamed. This contrasts with some other forms of arthritis, where pain might be more constant or relieved by movement.

Finding: Fatigue and fever 

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rationale: Fatigue and fever are systemic symptoms that can be associated with rheumatoid arthritis. RA is an autoimmune disease that can cause general malaise, fever, and significant fatigue along with joint symptoms.

Finding: Morning stiffness quickly resolves 

Not applicable

Rationale: Morning stiffness that persists for a significant period is a characteristic feature of rheumatoid arthritis. The stiffness in RA typically does not quickly resolve and can last for several hours. Quick resolution of morning stiffness is more characteristic of other conditions, such as osteoarthritis.

Finding: Small joints of the hand 

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rationale: Rheumatoid arthritis commonly affects the small joints of the hands, including the metacarpophalangeal joints (MCP) and proximal interphalangeal joints (PIP). This is a distinguishing feature of RA, as it often targets these joints in a symmetrical manner.