Case Study 2

A 60-year-old woman presents with fatigue, anorexia, weight loss, and a low-grade fever with duration of approximately 3 weeks. Her spouse is with her, and they are concerned about the symptoms she is experiencing. In addition, the woman reports that she has pain in her hands and stiffness that is worse in the morning. In her health history, the patient notes that her mother and sister both have rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The practitioner initially suspects RA as the diagnosis.

Case Questions

What are the three Healthy People 2020 objectives related to RA?
Using terms the nonhealth-care professional could understand, describe the pathophysiology of RA.
What diagnostic tests should the practitioner perform for this patient?
What are the differential diagnoses for this patient?
What is the initial management of RA?
What drug therapies may be included in the management of RA?