🧑‍⚕️ Med-Surg Exam Guide: Rheumatic Disorders

1) 🦴 Osteoarthritis (OA)

Patho: Local, non-systemic wear of articular cartilage → osteophytes; brief AM stiffness (<30 min). Meds:

• Acetaminophen → pain (watch max dose).
• NSAIDs/COX-2 → pain/↑GI & CV risk; take w/ food.
• Intra-articular steroids → short-term relief; rest joint x1 wk.
• Topicals (capsaicin/diclofenac) → regular use; avoid heat/sun. Team: HCP (rx ± surgery), RN (education, safety), PT/OT (ROM, devices), RD (weight loss). Key sx: Activity pain ➜ rest relief, crepitus, ↓ROM, Heberden/Bouchard nodes, deformity (varus/valgus). RN priorities: NSAID safety, heat for stiffness/cold if inflame ...