Hesi Med Surg
Hesi Med Surg ( 34 Questions)
A client with rheumatoid arthritis has an elevated serum rheumatoid factor. Which interpretation of this finding should the nurse make?
Rheumatoid factor is an antibody that is produced by the immune system and can bind to normal tissues, causing inflammation and damage. Rheumatoid factor is a marker of the autoimmune disease process that underlies rheumatoid arthritis, which is a chronic condition that affects the joints and other organs. A high level of rheumatoid factor can confirm the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and indicate the severity of the disease.
Rheumatoid factor is not a specific indicator of kidney involvement in rheumatoid arthritis, which is a rare but possible complication of the disease. Kidney damage can occur due to inflammation of the blood vessels, medication side effects, or dehydration. Kidney function can be assessed by other laboratory tests, such as blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and urine analysis.
Rheumatoid factor is not a direct cause of joint degeneration in rheumatoid arthritis, which is a progressive condition that leads to joint deformity and disability. Joint degeneration can occur due to chronic inflammation, erosion of cartilage and bone, and formation of nodules and cysts. Joint damage can be evaluated by physical examination, x-rays, and magnetic resonance imaging.
Rheumatoid factor is not a reliable predictor of the client’s condition in rheumatoid arthritis, which is a variable and unpredictable disease that can have periods of remission and exacerbation. The client’s condition can be influenced by many factors, such as age, gender, genetics, lifestyle, and treatment. The client’s condition can be monitored by clinical symptoms, functional status, and quality of life.
Choice A reason: Rheumatoid factor is an antibody that is produced by the immune system and can bind to normal tissues, causing inflammation and damage. Rheumatoid factor is a marker of the autoimmune disease process that underlies rheumatoid arthritis, which is a chronic condition that affects the joints and other organs. A high level of rheumatoid factor can confirm the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and indicate the severity of the disease.
Choice B reason: Rheumatoid factor is not a specific indicator of kidney involvement in rheumatoid arthritis, which is a rare but possible complication of the disease. Kidney damage can occur due to inflammation of the blood vessels, medication side effects, or dehydration. Kidney function can be assessed by other laboratory tests, such as blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and urine analysis.
Choice C reason: Rheumatoid factor is not a direct cause of joint degeneration in rheumatoid arthritis, which is a progressive condition that leads to joint deformity and disability. Joint degeneration can occur due to chronic inflammation, erosion of cartilage and bone, and formation of nodules and cysts. Joint damage can be evaluated by physical examination, x-rays, and magnetic resonance imaging.
Choice D reason: Rheumatoid factor is not a reliable predictor of the client’s condition in rheumatoid arthritis, which is a variable and unpredictable disease that can have periods of remission and exacerbation. The client’s condition can be influenced by many factors, such as age, gender, genetics, lifestyle, and treatment. The client’s condition can be monitored by clinical symptoms, functional status, and quality of life.