Problem
Upon further questioning, it is determined that her symptoms began about 3 months after her case of the flu. She is not taking any medications except an occasional ibuprofen that seems to help the pain in her wrist. She is a seamstress who works out of her home, and she sews and quilts for fun. She really does not know much about her mother's joint problems except that her hands were really stiff and bent.
Anemia, thyroid disease, and fibromyalgia were ruled out, and the tentative diagnosis is rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
i. How will the diagnosis of RA be confirmed?
ii. What is the pathophysiology associated with RA? Be specific and detailed in your answer.
iii. What are some typical manifestations associated with RA? Make sure to distinguish which are signs and which are symptoms. Are they always the same manifestations in patients or do they vary?