Medical-surgical Nursing Demystified

(^156) Medical-Surgical Nursing Demystified

• Positive ESR.


• Gamma globulins.


• X-rays show changes in the affected joints.

TREATMENT

Reduction of pain and inflammation is the goal of treatment, along with preserv-

ing range of motion of the joint. Treatment is divided into nonpharmacological and

pharmacological methods.

• Administer nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medication to decrease
  inflammation and pain:
  
  
  • ibuprofen
  
  
  • indomethacin
  
  
  • flurbiprofen
  
  
  • naproxen
  
  
  • sulindac
  
  
  • diflunisal
  
  
  
  


• Administer disease-modifying antirheumatology agents (DMARDS):
  
  
  • methotrexate is an antimetabolite
  
  
  • TNF1—tumor necrosis factor increases lymphocytes and leukocytes found
    in the joint fluids
  
  
  • etenercept
  
  
  • infliximab
  
  
  • adalimumab
  
  
  • antimalarials
  
  
  • hydroxychloroquine
  
  
  
  


• Administer corticosteroids:
  
  
  • prednisone
  
  
  
  


• Administer antacids to coat the stomach:
  
  
  • magnesium hydroxide
  
  
  • aluminium hydroxide