Arthritis Student Notes

7/1/2014
ARTHRITIS
June 2012 DHS – Office of Licensing and Regulatory Oversight 1
PURPOSE & KEY TERMS

 The purpose of this section  Nonsteroidal anti-
is to help the learner inflammatory drugs
understand the: basics of (NSAIDS)
arthritis; information that  Osteoarthritis
needs to be gathered when  Rheumatoid arthritis
screening a potential
resident with arthritis; and
accommodations an AFH
will need to provide for a
resident with arthritis.
OBJECTIVES
 The learner will be able to:

 Describe different types of arthritis and how the
condition progresses;
 List key questions to ask when screening potential
residents with a diagnosis of arthritis;
 Describe the guidelines for arthritis care;
 Describe general treatment of arthritis;
 Explore your own physical and emotional limits
regarding the type of care required for residents
with arthritis.
1
7/1/2014
MAJOR TYPES OF ARTHRITIS

 Arthritis is inflammation of a joint. It is a general term
used for more than 100 kinds of diseases that affect
the joints and connective tissue.
 Rheumatoid Arthritis
 Pain with or without movement, general fatigue,
and body/muscle aches and stiffness after resting.
Symptoms come and go. Painful stiffness can be
persistent.
 Age at onset of the disease and general health
are significant factors in the prognosis of the
disease. Improvement can occur.
MAJOR TYPES OF ARTHRITIS CONTINUED

 Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is aimed at
reducing pain, inflammation and preventing
muscles from wasting away.
 Osteoarthritis
 Is a degenerative joint disease and frequently
involves the major weight-bearing joints (hips,
knees, lower spine) and the joints near the
fingertips and base of the thumb and big toe.
 Symptoms of osteoarthritis include aching pain
with movement, pain increasing during the day
and temporary stiffness.
GENERAL TREATMENT PLAN

 Proper treatment can relieve symptoms and
prevent serious joint problems. It can slow,
but not reverse, the disease process:
 Manage pain and inflammation;
 Maintain flexibility and muscle strength; and
 Prevent further harm to joints.
 Treatment can help maintain activity and
usually involves a exercise, medication, heat
and cold treatments, joint protection and
lifestyle changes.
2
7/1/2014
GENERAL TREATMENT PLAN CONTINUED

 Exercise should be done regularly to keep
joints flexible and muscles strong. Range of
motion or stretching exercise is beneficial:
 Consult a health care professional when
developing an exercise plan for each resident.
 Medications are taken under the supervision
of a prescribing practitioner:
 Aspirin (the most widely used);
 Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS);
 Acetaminophen (Tylenol).
GENERAL TREATMENT PLAN CONTINUED
 Hot and cold treatments

 Do not apply extreme temperatures without a
medical order. Be careful when applying heat.
People with poor circulation/reduced sensitivity
are at risk for bums.
 Assistive devices such as canes, walkers,
crutches can protect weight-bearing joints
 Must be fitted by a health care professional.
Improperly fitted, they can cause more harm
than good.
GENERAL CARE
 Elderly residents who have osteoarthritis can
be helped to maintain their highest level of
function, prevent secondary problems and
promote comfort:
 Conserve the residents’ energy;
 Encourage correct posture and body mechanics;
 Avoid overusing or abusing joints;
 Promote use of appropriate assistive devices;
 Be aware of safety hazards; and
 Monitor medications – watch for drug side effects.
3
7/1/2014
PERSONAL CARE
 Self-care aids  Shower caddy;

 Grab bars and nonskid safety
help conserve mats/strips;
energy and  Long shower spray hose;
remain active,  Bath bench or chair;
 Terry cloth robe;
independent and  Electric razors;
safe. Bathing and  Emery paper taped to a flat
grooming aids surface;
 Velcro fasteners, elastic
include: waistbands;
 Clip-on ties; and
 Soft stretch web belts.
EXERCISE AND MOBILITY

 Regular exercise is important in effectively
managing osteoarthritis. There are numerous
gentle exercises.
 A health professional such as a physical therapist
or doctor can develop an exercise plan that meets
the resident’s specific needs;
 The exercise plan may include putting the joints
through range of motion and isometric exercises.
 Daily exercise helps prevent further decline in
function and strength.
SLEEP AND REST
 The resident can improve stamina by taking

frequent short rest periods during the day and
resting before fatigue occurs. If sleeping is a
problem, suggest that the resident:
 Take a warm bath just before bedtime;
 Exercise in bed – this can reduce stiffness that
causes the resident to wake up during the night.
4
7/1/2014
DIET AND MEALTIME

 A well-balanced diet is most important. If a
resident is overweight, consult the person’s
doctor about a weight reduction diet.
 Mealtime can be easier if you provide:
 A sharp knife — requires less pressure to cut
food.
 Padded utensils — easier to grasp the utensils.
 A mug that can be comfortably held with both
hands — beverages and soup served in a mug
makes drinking and eating easier.
DISCUSSION/QUESTIONS

Arthritis Student Notes

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Arthritis Student Notes

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Arthritis Student Notes

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

7/1/2014

June 2012 DHS – Office of Licensing and Regulatory Oversight 1

PURPOSE & KEY TERMS

June 2012 DHS – Office of Licensing and Regulatory Oversight 2

 The learner will be able to:

June 2012 DHS – Office of Licensing and Regulatory Oversight 3

MAJOR TYPES OF ARTHRITIS

June 2012 DHS – Office of Licensing and Regulatory Oversight 4

MAJOR TYPES OF ARTHRITIS CONTINUED

June 2012 DHS – Office of Licensing and Regulatory Oversight 5

GENERAL TREATMENT PLAN

June 2012 DHS – Office of Licensing and Regulatory Oversight 6

GENERAL TREATMENT PLAN CONTINUED

June 2012 DHS – Office of Licensing and Regulatory Oversight 7

GENERAL TREATMENT PLAN CONTINUED

 Hot and cold treatments

June 2012 DHS – Office of Licensing and Regulatory Oversight 8

June 2012 DHS – Office of Licensing and Regulatory Oversight 9

 Self-care aids  Shower caddy;

June 2012 DHS – Office of Licensing and Regulatory Oversight 10

EXERCISE AND MOBILITY

June 2012 DHS – Office of Licensing and Regulatory Oversight 11

SLEEP AND REST

 The resident can improve stamina by taking

June 2012 DHS – Office of Licensing and Regulatory Oversight 12

DIET AND MEALTIME

June 2012 DHS – Office of Licensing and Regulatory Oversight 13

June 2012 DHS – Office of Licensing and Regulatory Oversight 14

You might also like