Concept and Etiology: How does the disease affect the musculoskeletal and
integumentary system in particular? How does it deviate from the definition of health
discussed in Module One?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes the immune
system to attach healthy cells, causing inflammation. RA typically effects the
joints, connective tissues, tendons and even the bones.
RA deviates from health because it can be very pain, cause deformities and can
even lead to other diseases. “Studies have found an increased risk of bone loss
and fracture in individuals with Rheumatoid Arthritis. People with Rheumatoid
Arthritis are at increased risk for osteoporosis” (NIH, 2018).
Classification:
Remission
oWhen there is no visible signs or symptoms.
Exacerbation
oIntense pain and stiffness
Clinical Manifestations:
Signs
oFever
oTender, warm swollen joints and digitals
oDigital deformities
Symptoms
oFatigue
oLoss of appetite
oJoint Stiffness
oPain
(mayoclinic, 2021)
Diagnostic Tests:
Joint MRI
Joint Ultrasound
Joint X-rays
Physical Examinations
Serum Rheumatoid Factor Test
o“Measures the amount of Rheumatoid factor in your blood” (mayoclinic,
2021)
Serum Anticyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibodies Test
o“Measures CCP antibodies in the blood. CCP antibodies are proteins that
are part of an immune system attach on healthy tissues and cells, such as
the joints” (Bandoim, 2021)
NIH. (2018). Osteoporosis. https://www.bones.nih.gov/health-info/bone/osteoporosis/
conditions-behaviors/osteoporosis-ra
Mayo Clinic. (2021). Signs and Symptoms. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-
conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20353648
Mayo Clinic. (2021). Serum Rheumatoid Factor Test. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-
procedures/rheumatoid-factor/about/pac-20384800
(Bandoim, 2021). Serum Anticyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibodies
Test. https://www.verywellhealth.com/ccp-antibody-test-uses-side-effects-procedure-
results-5089760
