Nursing Diagnosis for Rheumatoid Arthritis and Nursing Interventions for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Nursing Diagnosis for Rheumatoid Arthritis

1. Acute Pain / Chronic related to tissue distension by fluid accumulation / inflammation, joint destruction.
2. Impaired physical mobility related to skeletal deformities, pain, discomfort, activity intolerance, decreased muscle strength.

Nursing Interventions for Rheumatoid Arthritis

1. Acute Pain / Chronic Pain related to tissue distension by fluid accumulation / inflammation, joint destruction.
   
   Goal :
   
   Pain is reduced / lost
   
   Expected results :
   • Indicates no pain
   • Looks relaxed, to sleep / rest and participate in activities based on ability.
   • Following program prescribed pharmacologic
   • Combining the skills of relaxation and entertainment activity in the pain control program.
   
   Nursing Intervention :
   • Assess pain, note the location and intensity (scale 0-10). Write down the factors that accelerate and signs of pain non-verbal.
     R / Assist in determining the need for pain management and program effectiveness.
   • Give a hard mattress, small pillows, elevate the bed linen as needed.
     R / soft mattress, large pillows, will prevent the maintenance of proper body alignment, placing stress on joints that hurt. Bed linen elevation decrease the pressure on painful joints.
   • Instruct to frequently change positions. Helps to move in bed, prop a pain in the joints above and below, avoid jerky movements.
     R / Prevent the occurrence of general fatigue and joint stiffness. Stabilize joints, reduce the movement / pain in the joints.
   • Instruct the patient to a warm bath or shower at the time awake. Monitor the water temperature, water bath, and so forth.
     R / Heat enhance muscle relaxation, and mobility, reduce pain and stiffness in the morning release. Sensitivity to heat, can be removed and dermal wound can be healed.
   • Give a massage
     R / enhance relaxation / reduce pain
   • Encourage the use of stress management techniques, such as progressive relaxation, therapeutic touch, biofeed back, visualization, guidelines imagination, self hypnosis, and breathing control.
     R / Increase relaxation, provide a sense of control and may improve coping abilities.
   • Engage in activities of entertainment that is suitable for individual situations.
     R / Focusing attention back, provide stimulation, and increased self-confidence and feeling healthy.
   • Give the drug prior to activity / exercise that is planned as directed.
     R / Increase relaxation, reduce muscle tension / spasm, making it easier to participate in therapy.
   • Collaboration: Provide drugs according to doctor's instructions.
     R / as anti-inflammatory and mild analgesic effect in reducing stiffness and increasing mobility.
   • Give the ice-cold compress if needed.
     R / The cold can relieve pain and swelling during the acute period.
2. Impaired physical mobility related to skeletal deformities, pain, discomfort, activity intolerance, decreased muscle strength.
   
   Expected results :
   • Maintaining a function of position with no presence / restrictions contractures.
   • Maintain or increase the power and functionality of and / or compensation of the body.
   • Demonstrate techniques / behaviors that allow doing activities.
   
   Nursing Intervention :
   • Evaluation / continue monitoring the level of inflammation / pain in the joints.
     R / level of activity / exercise depends on the development / resolution of the inflammatory process.
   • Maintain a rest / sit if necessary scheduled events
     R / Rest is recommended during the acute exacerbation phase of disease and all that important, to prevent fatigue and maintain power.
   • Assist with range of motion active / passive
     R / Maintain / improve joint function, muscle strength and general stamina.
     Note: inadequate exercise lead to joint stiffness, excessive activity can damage the joints.
   • Change positions frequently.
     R / Eliminate pressure on the tissue and increase circulation.
   • Use a small pillow / thin below the neck.
     R / Prevent flexion of the neck.
   • Instruct the patient to maintain an upright posture and sitting height, standing, and walking.
     R / Maximize maintain joint function and mobility.
   • Collaboration: consul with physiotherapy.
     R / Useful in formulating training programs / activities that are based on individual needs and in identifying tools.
   • Collaboration: give drugs as indicated.
     R / may be needed to suppress the acute inflammatory system.