6 Rheumatoid Arthritis Nursing Care Plans

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a form of arthritis that causes pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of function in your joints. It is a chronic, systemic inflammatory diseases that involves the connective tissues and characterized by destruction and proliferation of synovial membrane resulting in joint destruction, ankylosis, and deformity.

No one knows what causes rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers speculate that a virus may initially trigger the body’s immune response, which then becomes chronically activated and turns on itself (autoimmune response). Immunologic mechanisms appear to play an important role in the initiation and perpetuation of the disease in which spontaneous remissions and unpredictable exacerbations occur. RA is a disorder of the immune system and, as such, is a whole-body disease that can extend beyond the joints, affecting other organ systems, such as the skin and eyes.

Nursing Care Plans

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The most common issues that should be address in the nursing care plan for the patient with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) include pain, sleep disturbance, fatigue, altered mood, and limited mobility. The patient with newly diagnosed RA needs information about the disease to make daily self management decisions and to cope with having a chronic disease.

Here are six (6) rheumatoid arthritis nursing care plans:

1. Acute Pain

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Acute Pain: Unpleasant sensory and emotional experience arising from actual or potential tissue damage or described in terms of such damage; sudden or slow onset of any intensity from mild to severe with anticipated or predictable end and a duration of <6 months.

Nursing Diagnosis

• - Acute Pain

May be related to

• - Injuring agents: distension of tissues by accumulation of fluid/inflammatory process, destruction of joint

Possibly evidenced by

• - Reports of pain/discomfort, fatigue
• - Self-narrowed focus
• - Distraction behaviors/autonomic responses
• - Guarding/protective behavior

Desired Outcomes

• - Report pain is relieved/controlled.
• - Appear relaxed, able to sleep/rest and participate in activities appropriately.
• - Follow prescribed pharmacological regimen.
• - Incorporate relaxation skills and diversional activities into pain control program.

Nursing Interventions	Rationale
Consider reports of pain, noting location and intensity (scale of 0–10). Note precipitating factors and nonverbal pain cues.	Favorable in determining pain management needs and effectiveness of program.
Recommend or provide firm mattress or bedboard, small pillow. Elevate linens with bed cradle as needed.	Soft and sagging mattress, large pillows prevent maintenance of proper body alignment, placing stress on affected joints. Elevation of bed linens reduces pressure on inflamed or painful joints.
Suggest patient assume position of comfort while in bed or sitting in chair. Promote bedrest as indicated.	In severe disease or acute exacerbation, total bedrest may be necessary (until objective and subjective improvements are noted) to limit pain or injury to joint.
Place and monitor use of pillows, sandbags, trochanter rolls, splints, braces.	Rests painful joints and maintains neutral position. Note: Use of splints can decrease pain and may reduce damage to joint; however, prolonged inactivity can result in loss of joint mobility and function.
Encourage frequent changes of position. Assist patient to move in bed, supporting affected joints above and below, avoiding jerky movements.	Prevents general fatigue and joint stiffness. Stabilizes joint, decreasing joint movement and associated pain.
Monitor the duration, not the intensity, of morning stiffness.	Duration more accurately reflects the disease’s severity.
Recommend that patient take warm bath or shower upon arising or at bedtime. Apply warm, moist compresses to affected joints several times a day. Monitor water temperature of compress, baths, and so on.	Heat promotes muscle relaxation and mobility, decreases pain, and relieves morning stiffness. Sensitivity to heat may be diminished and dermal injury may occur.
Provide gentle massage.	Promotes relaxation and reduces muscle tension.
Encourage use of stress management techniques such as progressive relaxation, biofeedback, visualization, guided imagery, self-hypnosis, and controlled breathing. Provide Therapeutic Touch.	Promotes relaxation, provides sense of control, and may enhance coping abilities.
Involve in diversional activities appropriate for individual situation.	Refocuses attention, provides stimulation, and enhances self-esteem and feelings of general well-being.
Medicate before planned activities and exercises as indicated.	Promotes relaxation, reduces muscle tension and spasms, facilitating participation in therapy.
Administer medications as indicated:
Salicylates: aspirin (ASA) (Acuprin, Ecotrin, ZORprin)	ASA exerts an anti-inflammatory and mild analgesic effect, decreasing stiffness and increasing mobility. ASA must be taken regularly to sustain a therapeutic blood level. Research indicates that ASA has the lowest toxicity index of commonly prescribed NSAIDs.
Nonsalicylates (NSAIDs):ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), sulindac (Clinoril), prioxicam (Feldene), fenoprofen (Nalfon), diclofenac (Voltaren), ketoprofen (Orudis), ketorolac (Toradol), nabumetone (Relafen)	These drugs control mild to moderate pain and inflammation by inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis.
Glucocorticoids:prednisone (Deltasone), methylprednisolone (Depo-Medrol), dexamethasone (Decadron)	These drugs modify the immune response and suppress inflammation.
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD): methotrexate (Rheumatrex), hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), gold compounds, auranofin (Ridaura), azathioprine (Imuran), leflunomide (Arava)	These drugs vary in action, but all reduce pain and swelling, lessening arthritic symptoms rather than eliminating them. Arava (FDA approved in 1998) is the first oral drug shown to slow progression of RA and damage to joints.
COX-2 inhibitors:celecoxib (Celebrex), rofecoxib (Vioxx)	A new class of medication, COX-2 inhibitors interfere with prostaglandin production, similarly to NSAIDs, but are less likely to harm the stomach lining or kidneys. May be used in combination with other medications.
Biologicals: etanercept (Enbrel), infliximab (Remicade)	These injectable drugs are the first genetically engineered medications for arthritis. These anti-TNF compounds block inflammation and rapidly decrease pain and joint swelling. Enbrel is self-injected twice a week and may be used in combination with methotrexate. Remicade is administered IV at 1- to 3-month intervals. Note: Because of concerns about immune function suppression, Enbrel is recommended only for patients who are unable to tolerate methotrexate or failed to respond to at least two other DMARDs.
Tetracyclines:minocycline (Minocin)	Characteristics of anti-inflammatory and immune modifier effects coupled with ability to block metalloproteinases (associated with joint destruction) have resulted in dramatic benefits in research studies.
- d-Penicillamine (Cuprimine)	May control systemic effects of RA synovitis and scleroderma if other therapies have not been successful. High rate of side effects (thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, aplastic anemia) necessitates close monitoring. Note: Drug should be given between meals because drug absorption is impaired by food, as well as antacids and iron products.
Antacids: misoprostol (Cytotec), omeprazole (Prilosec)	Given with NSAID agents to minimize gastric irritation and discomfort, reducing risk of GI bleed.
- Codeine-containing medications	Although narcotics are generally contraindicated because of chronic nature of condition, short-term use of these products may be required during periods of acute exacerbation to control severe pain.
Assist with physical therapies such as paraffin glove, whirlpool baths.	Provides sustained heat to reduce pain and improve ROM of affected joints.
Apply ice or cold packs when indicated.	Cold may relieve pain and swelling during acute episodes.
Instruct in use and monitor effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (TENS) unit if used.	Constant low-level electrical stimulus blocks transmission of pain sensations.

2. Impaired Physical Mobility

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Impaired Physical Mobility: Limitation in independent, purposeful physical movement of the body or of one or more extremities.

Nursing Diagnosis

• - Impaired Physical Mobility
• - Impaired Walking

May be related to

• - Skeletal deformity
• - Pain, discomfort
• - Intolerance to activity; decreased muscle strength

Possibly evidenced by

• - Reluctance to attempt movement/inability to purposefully move within the physical environment
• - Limited ROM, impaired coordination, decreased muscle strength/control and mass (late stages)

Desired Outcomes

• - Maintain position of function with absence/limitation of contractures.
• - Maintain or increase strength and function of affected and/or compensatory body part.
• - Demonstrate techniques/behaviors that enable resumption/continuation of activities.

Nursing Interventions	Rationale
Assess and continuously monitor degree of joint inflammation and pain.	Level of activity and exercise depends on progression and resolution of inflammatory process.
Maintain bedrest or chair rest when indicated. Schedule activities providing frequent rest periods and uninterrupted nighttime sleep.	Systemic rest is mandatory during acute exacerbations and important throughout all phases of disease to reduce fatigue, improve strength.
Assist with active and passive ROM and resistive exercises and isometrics when able.	Maintains and improves joint function, muscle strength, and general stamina. Note: Inadequate exercise leads to joint stiffening, whereas excessive activity can damage joints.
Encourage patient to maintain upright and erect posture when sitting, standing, walking.	Maximizes joint function, maintains mobility.
Urge the patient to perform activities of daily living (ADLs), such as practicing good hygiene, dressing and feeding himself.	ADLs that can be done should be encouraged to maximize function.
Discuss and provide safety needs such as raised chairs and toilet seat, use of handrails in tub, shower and toilet, proper use of mobility aids and wheelchair safety.	Helps prevent accidental injuries and falls.
Reposition frequently using adequate personnel. Demonstrate and assist with transfer techniques and use of mobility aids such as walker, cane, trapeze.	Relieves pressure on tissues and promotes circulation. Facilitates self-care and patient’s independence. Proper transfer techniques prevent shearing abrasions of skin.
Position with pillows, sandbags, trochanter roll. Provide joint support with splints, braces.	Promotes joint stability (reducing risk of injury) and maintains proper joint position and body alignment, minimizing contractures.
Suggest using small or thin pillow under neck.	Prevents flexion of neck.
Provide foam or alternating pressure mattress.	Decreases pressure on fragile tissues to reduce risks of immobility and development of decubitus.

3. Disturbed Body Image

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Disturbed Body Image: Confusion in mental picture of one’s physical self.

Nursing Diagnosis

• - Disturbed Body Image
• - Ineffective Role Performance

May be related to

• - Changes in ability to perform usual tasks
• - Increased energy expenditure; impaired mobility

Possibly evidenced by

• - Change in structure/function of affected parts
• - Negative self-talk; focus on past strength/function, appearance
• - Change in lifestyle/physical ability to resume roles, loss of employment, dependence on SO for assistance
• - Change in social involvement; sense of isolation
• - Feelings of helplessness, hopelessness

Desired Outcomes

• - Verbalize increased confidence in ability to deal with illness, changes in lifestyle, and possible limitations.
• - Formulate realistic goals/plans for future.

Nursing Interventions	Rationale
Encourage verbalization about concerns of disease process, future expectations.	Provides opportunity to identify fears and misconceptions and deal with them directly.
Encouraged a balanced diet, but make sure the patient understands that special diets won’t cure RA. Stress the need for weight control.	Obesity adds further stress to joints.
Ascertain how patient views self in usual lifestyle functioning, including sexual aspects.	Identifying how illness affects perception of self and interactions with others will determine need for further intervention and counseling.
Discuss patient’s perception of how SO perceives limitations.	Verbal and nonverbal cues from SO may have a major impact on how patient views self.
Acknowledge and accept feelings of grief, hostility, dependency.	Constant pain is wearing, and feelings of anger and hostility are common. Acceptance provides feedback that feelings are normal.
Note withdrawn behavior, use of denial, or over concern with body changes.	May suggest emotional exhaustion or maladaptive coping methods, requiring more in-depth intervention or psychological support.
Set limits on maladaptive behavior. Assist patient to identify positive behaviors that will aid in coping.	Helps patient maintain self-control, which enhances self-esteem.
Involve patient in planning care and scheduling activities.	Enhances feelings of competency and self-worth, encourages independence and participation in therapy.
Assist with grooming needs as necessary.	Maintaining appearance enhances self-image.
Give positive reinforcement for accomplishments.	Allows patient to feel good about self. Reinforces positive behavior. Enhances self-confidence.
Refer to psychiatric counseling like psychiatric clinical nurse specialist, psychiatrist or psychologist, social worker.	Patient and SO may require ongoing support to deal with long-term and debilitating process.
Administer medications as indicated (antianxiety and mood-elevating drugs).	May be needed in presence of severe depression until patient develops more effective coping skills.

4. Self-Care Deficit

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Self-Care Deficit: Impaired ability to perform or complete activities of daily living for oneself, such as feeding, dressing, bathing, toileting.

Nursing Diagnosis

• - Self Care Deficit

May be related to

• - Musculoskeletal impairment; decreased strength/endurance, pain on movement
• - Depression

Possibly evidenced by

• - Inability to manage ADLs (feeding, bathing, dressing, and/or toileting)

Desired Outcomes

• - Perform self-care activities at a level consistent with individual capabilities.
• - Demonstrate techniques/lifestyle changes to meet self-care needs.
• - Identify personal/community resources that can provide needed assistance.

Nursing Interventions	Rationale
Ascertain usual level of functioning (0–4) before onset or exacerbation of illness and potential changes now anticipated.	May be able to continue usual activities with necessary adaptations to current limitations.
Maintain mobility, pain control, and exercise program.	Support physical and emotional independence.
Urge the patient to perform activities of daily living (ADLs), such as practicing good hygiene, dressing and feeding himself.	ADLs that can be done should be encouraged to maximize function.
Assess barriers to participation in self-care. Identify and plan for environmental modifications.	Prepares for increased independence, which enhances self-esteem.
Allow patient sufficient time to complete tasks to fullest extent of ability. Capitalize on individual strengths.	May need more time to complete tasks by self but provides an opportunity for greater sense of self-confidence and self-worth.
Consult with rehabilitation specialists (occupational therapist).	Helpful in determining assistive devices to meet individual needs (buttonhook, long-handled shoehorn, reacher, hand-held shower head).
Arrange home-health evaluation before discharge, with follow-up afterward.	Identifies problems that may be encountered because of current level of disability. Provides for more successful team efforts with others who are involved in care (occupational therapy team).
Arrange for consult with other agencies (Meals on Wheels, home care service, nutritionist).	May need additional kinds of assistance to continue in home setting.

5. Risk for Impaired Home Maintenance

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Risk for Impaired Home Maintenance: At risk for the inability to independently maintain a safe growth-promoting immediate environment.

Nursing Diagnosis

• - Home Maintenance, risk for impaired

Risk factors may include

• - Long-term degenerative disease process
• - Inadequate support systems

Possibly evidenced by

• Not applicable. Existence of signs and symptoms establishes an actual nursing diagnosis.

Desired Outcomes

• - Maintain safe, growth-promoting environment.
• - Demonstrate appropriate, effective use of resources.

Nursing Interventions	Rationale
Determine level of physical functioning using Functional Level Classification 0–4.	Identifies degree of assistance and support required. For example, the level 0 patient is completely able to perform usual activities of daily living (self-care, vocational, and avocational), whereas the level 4 patient is limited in all these areas and does not participate in activity.
Evaluate environment to assess ability to care for self.	Determines feasibility of remaining or changing home layout to meet individual needs.
Determine financial resources to meet needs of individual situation. Identify support systems available to patient, (extended family, friends and neighbors).	Availability of personal resources and community supports will affect ability to problem-solve and choice of solutions.
Develop plan for maintaining a clean, healthful environment such as sharing of household repair and tasks between family members or by contract services.	Ensures that needs will be met on an ongoing basis.
Identify sources for necessary equipment (lifts, elevated toilet seat, wheelchair).	Provides opportunity to acquire equipment before discharge.
Coordinate home evaluation by occupational therapist and rehabilitation team.	Useful for identifying adaptive equipment, ways to modify tasks to maintain independence.
Identify and meet with community resources (visiting nurse, homemaker service, social services, senior citizens’ groups).	Can facilitate transfer or support continuation in home setting.

6. Deficient Knowledge

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Deficient Knowledge: Absence or deficiency of cognitive information related to specific topic.

Nursing Diagnosis

• - Deficient Knowledge

May be related to

• - Lack of exposure/recall
• - Information misinterpretation

Possibly evidenced by

• - Questions/request for information, statement of misconception
• - Inaccurate follow-through of instructions, development of preventable complications

Desired Outcomes

• - Verbalize understanding of condition/prognosis, and potential complications.
• - Verbalize understanding of therapeutic needs.
• - Develop a plan for self-care, including lifestyle modifications consistent with mobility and/or activity restrictions.

Nursing Interventions	Rationale
Review disease process, prognosis, and future expectations.	Provides knowledge base from which patient can make informed choices.
Discuss patient’s role in management of disease process through nutrition, medication, and balanced program of exercise and rest.	Goal of disease control is to suppress inflammation in joints and other tissues to maintain joint function and prevent deformities.
Assist in planning a realistic and integrated schedule of activity, rest, personal care, drug administration, physical therapy, and stress management.	Provides structure and defuses anxiety when managing a complex chronic disease process.
Identify individually appropriate exercise program components (swimming, stationary bike, nonimpact aerobics)	Can increase patient’s energy level and mental alertness, minimize functional limitations. Program needs to be customized based on joints involved and patient’s general condition to maximize effect and reduce risk of injury.
Stress importance of continued pharmaco therapeutic management.	Benefits of drug therapy depend on correct dosage (aspirin must be taken regularly to sustain therapeutic blood levels of 18–25 mg per dL).
Recommend use of enteric-coated or buffered aspirin or nonacetylated salicylates such as choline salicylate (Arthropan) or choline magnesium trisalicylate (Trilisate).	Coated or buffered preparations ingested with food minimize gastric irritation, reducing risk of bleeding and hemorrhage. Note: Non acetylated products have a longer half-life, requiring less frequent administration in addition to producing less gastric irritation.
Suggest taking medications, such as NSAIDs, with meals, milk products, or antacids and at bedtime.	Limits gastric irritation. Reduction of pain at hs enhances sleep, and increased blood level decreases early-morning stiffness.
Identify adverse drug effects (tinnitus, gastric intolerance, GI bleeding, purpuric rash).	Prolonged, maximal doses of aspirin may result in overdose. Tinnitus usually indicates high therapeutic blood levels. If tinnitus occurs, the dosage is usually decreased by 1 tablet every 2–3 days until it stops.
Stress importance of reading product labels and refraining from OTC drug usage without prior medical approval.	Many products (cold remedies, antidiarrheals) contain hidden salicylates that increase risk of drug overdose and harmful side effects.
Review importance of balanced diet with foods high in vitamins, protein, and iron.	Promotes general well-being and tissue repair and regeneration.
Encourage obese patient to lose weight, and supply with weight reduction information as appropriate.	Weight loss reduces stress on joints, especially hips, knees, ankles, feet.
Provide information and resources for assistive devices (wheeled dolly or wagon for moving items, pickup sticks, lightweight dishes and pans, raised toilet seat, safety handlebars).	Reduces force exerted on joints and enables individual to participate more comfortably in needed and desired activities.
Discuss energy-saving techniques (sitting instead of standing to prepare meals or shower).	Prevents fatigue; facilitates self-care and independence.
Encourage maintenance of correct body position and posture both at rest and during activity like keeping joints extended, not flexed, wearing splints for prescribed periods, avoiding remaining in a single position for extended periods, positioning hands near center of body during use, and sliding rather than lifting objects when possible.	Good body mechanics must become a part of patient’s lifestyle to lessen joint stress and pain.
Review necessity of frequent inspection of skin and meticulous skin care under splints, casts, supporting devices. Demonstrate proper padding.	Reduces risk of skin irritation and breakdown.
Discuss necessity of medical follow-up and laboratory studies, (ESR, salicylate levels, PT).	Drug therapy requires frequent assessment and refinement to ensure optimal effect and to prevent overdose or dangerous side effects (aspirin prolongs PT, increasing risk of bleeding).
Provide for sexual and childbirth counseling as necessary.	Information about different positions and techniques or other options for sexual fulfillment may enhance personal relationships and feelings of self-worth and self-esteem. Note: A large number of patients with RA are in childbearing years and need counseling, support, and medical interventions.
Identify community resources (Arthritis Foundation).	Assistance and support from others promotes maximal recovery.

7. Other Possible Nursing Care Plans

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Other nursing diagnoses you can use as care plans.

• Fatigue—increased energy requirements to perform ADLs, states of discomfort.
• Pain, chronic—accumulation of fluid/inflammation, destruction of joint.
• Mobility, impaired physical—skeletal deformity, pain/discomfort, decreased muscle strength, intolerance to activity.
• Self-Care deficit/Home Maintenance, impaired—musculoskeletal impairment, decreased strength/endurance, pain on movement, inadequate support systems, insufficient finances, unfamiliarity with neighborhood resources.

References and Sources : nurseslabs.com