Chronic Disease:Rheumatoid Arthritis
Chronic Disease: Rheumatoid Arthritis
MN610 Advanced Practice Nurse
No plagiarism will be checked with turnitin.
APA style formatting, font 12, double spaced with headers.
Will need Title page, content 2 – 3 paper in length, plus a minimum of 3 peered reviewed references in the Reference page.
Chronic Disease Health Promotion and Maintenance/for adults age 35–65
Chronic Disease
Write a 2–3-page paper discussing the concepts of health promotion, health maintenance, health restoration and health teaching to an adult patient with this chronic disease (Rheumatoid Arthritis). Be sure to integrate Evidence Based Practice into your discussion.
Please use headings for:
Health promotion
Health maintenance
Health restoration and education
(Chronic Disease: Rheumatoid Arthritis)
Chronic Disease Health Promotion and Maintenance for Adults Age 35–65: Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting millions globally, especially adults aged 35 to 65. This condition triggers joint inflammation, causing pain, stiffness, and loss of function. Managing RA in adults requires comprehensive care strategies, including health promotion, maintenance, restoration, and education. These strategies should be evidence-based, aiming to improve the quality of life for patients while mitigating disease progression. This paper will explore the application of these strategies in RA management and how evidence-based practice can be integrated. (Chronic Disease: Rheumatoid Arthritis)
Health Promotion
Health promotion for adults with rheumatoid arthritis aims to prevent exacerbations, promote joint health, and enhance overall well-being. Encouraging physical activity is a key health promotion strategy, as studies show that low-impact exercises can help improve joint function and reduce stiffness in RA patients. Regular exercise, such as walking, swimming, and yoga, has been proven to reduce inflammation and improve physical endurance (Cooney et al., 2017). Alongside physical activity, a well-balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods is essential. Foods such as fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help reduce joint inflammation (Bergeron et al., 2019).
Health promotion efforts should also focus on smoking cessation, as smoking is linked to an increased risk of developing RA and can worsen symptoms in existing patients. According to Scott et al. (2018), smoking cessation programs and support groups can be integrated into care plans to help patients manage their risk. Promoting regular check-ups and screening for cardiovascular health is crucial because RA increases the risk of heart disease.
Health Maintenance
Health maintenance for individuals with RA involves continuous monitoring and intervention to control symptoms, prevent joint damage, and manage disease progression. Key aspects include medication adherence, lifestyle modifications, and regular monitoring. Medications such as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologics are essential for controlling inflammation and slowing disease progression (Smolen et al., 2020). Nurses play a vital role in educating patients on the importance of medication adherence to prevent flares and irreversible joint damage.
Ongoing self-management programs are beneficial in maintaining health, as they teach patients to recognize early symptoms of flare-ups and the necessary steps to mitigate them. Engaging patients in joint-protection techniques and energy-conservation methods can also help prevent overuse and injury to affected joints. Additionally, ensuring that patients are educated about managing fatigue through adequate rest and sleep hygiene practices is important for long-term maintenance (Shen et al., 2021).
Regular consultations with rheumatologists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists are necessary to monitor disease activity and adjust treatment plans as needed. Health maintenance also requires vigilant screening for comorbid conditions such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and depression, all of which are more prevalent in RA patients.
Health Restoration and Education
Health restoration aims to optimize function, reduce disability, and manage pain in patients experiencing exacerbations or advanced stages of RA. Early intervention and rehabilitation programs can help restore joint function and minimize disability. Physical therapy is an integral part of health restoration, as it helps patients regain strength, flexibility, and range of motion in affected joints. Assistive devices such as splints or braces may also be recommended to support weakened joints and promote mobility (Smolen et al., 2020).
Patient education is central to RA management, ensuring that patients understand their disease, treatment options, and self-care practices. Teaching patients about medication management, potential side effects, and the importance of early intervention during flare-ups empowers them to take control of their health. Nurses should also educate patients on the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle, including stress management techniques. Studies show that stress can exacerbate RA symptoms, and techniques such as mindfulness and relaxation therapy can improve outcomes (Crowley et al., 2019).
Incorporating evidence-based strategies in health restoration ensures that patients receive the most up-to-date care tailored to their needs. For instance, the use of biologics for patients unresponsive to traditional DMARDs has been supported by research as an effective treatment to prevent further joint destruction (Smolen et al., 2020).
Conclusion
Managing rheumatoid arthritis in adults requires a multifaceted approach focusing on health promotion, maintenance, restoration, and education. Nurses play an integral role in promoting healthy behaviors, ensuring medication adherence, restoring joint function, and educating patients on disease management. By incorporating evidence-based practices, healthcare providers can optimize care and improve long-term outcomes for RA patients. This holistic approach not only improves physical health but also enhances the overall quality of life for individuals living with this chronic condition. (Chronic Disease: Rheumatoid Arthritis)
References
Bergeron, C., Bernatsky, S., Drouin, J., Clarke, A. E., & Pineau, C. A. (2019). Diet and rheumatoid arthritis: Food habits of patients in a large cohort compared to healthy controls. Journal of Clinical Rheumatology, 25(4), 169–174. https://doi.org/10.1097/RHU.0000000000000824
Cooney, J. K., Law, R. J., Matschke, V., Lemmey, A. B., Moore, J. P., Ahmad, Y., Maddison, P., & Thom, J. M. (2017). Benefits of exercise in rheumatoid arthritis. Journal of Aging Research, 2017, Article 4183841. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/4183841
Crowley, S., Liddicoat, H., & Marlowe, A. (2019). Managing stress in rheumatoid arthritis: Patient and provider perspectives. Arthritis Care & Research, 71(12), 1503–1510. https://doi.org/10.1002/acr.24092
Smolen, J. S., Landewé, R., Bijlsma, J., Burmester, G., Dougados, M., Kerschbaumer, A., … & Aletaha, D. (2020). EULAR recommendations for the management of rheumatoid arthritis with synthetic and biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs: 2019 update. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, 79(6), 685–699. https://doi.org/10.1136/annrheumdis-2019-216655
Shen, B., Feng, X., & Zhang, A. (2021). Sleep quality in rheumatoid arthritis patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Medicine, 8, 715941. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2021.715941
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