Rheumatoid arthritis: symptoms, diagnosis, and management.

Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common inflammatory joint disease and a major cause of disability, morbidity, and mortality. It occurs worldwide, affecting approximately one per cent of adults. Inflammation of the synovial membrane surrounding a joint leads to swollen, tender, and stiff joints. This may be accompanied by fatigue, weight loss, anxiety, and depression. Nursing management goals should include the relief of symptoms, preservation of joint function, prevention of joint damage and deformity, maintenance of an acceptable lifestyle, and patient education. To achieve these aims the nurse should play a pivotal role within the multidisciplinary team, ensuring the highest quality of care.