Author Question: In the 1950s, researchers began searching for safer medications to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA). ... (Read 73 times)

formula1 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

In the 1950s, researchers began searching for safer medications to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Prior to this time, RA was treated with aspirin and corticosteroids.

Which drug was identified by the researchers to be safer in the treatment of inflammation and pain for RA clients?
1. Gold compounds
2. Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
3. Celecoxib (Celebrex)
4. Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, others)

Question 2

Which assessment findings would the nurse evaluate as possibly indicating an inflammatory response?

1. Pain, fever, and tremors
2. Fever, change in level of consciousness, and tremors
3. Pain, irritability, and change in level of consciousness
4. Fever, aches and pains, and lethargy

mk6555 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 4
Rationale 1: Gold compounds can be toxic.
Rationale 2: Acetaminophen is administered for pain relief, but it has no anti-inflammatory properties.
Rationale 3: Celecoxib (Celebrex) was introduced as a treatment for arthritis in the 1990s.
Rationale 4: Ibuprofen was introduced in the United States in 1974, and it became one of the first prescription-only drugs that were changed to OTC status in 1984.
Global Rationale: An exhaustive search of over 600 potential compounds over a 15-year period resulted in the discovery of ibuprofen, one of the safest and most widely prescribed NSAIDs in the world. The drug was introduced in the United States in 1974, and it became one of the first prescription-only drugs to be changed to OTC status in 1984. Gold compounds can be toxic. Acetaminophen is administered for pain relief, but it has no anti-inflammatory properties. Celecoxib (Celebrex) was introduced as a treatment for arthritis in the 1990s.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 4
Rationale 1: Pain and fever are associated signs and symptoms of the inflammatory process; tremors, however, are not common.
Rationale 2: The inflammatory response causes fever, but not a change in the level of consciousness or tremors.
Rationale 3: The inflammatory response does not cause irritability or a change in the level of consciousness.
Rationale 4: Fever, aches and pains, and lethargy are common signs and symptoms of the inflammatory response.
Global Rationale: Although it is a natural defense mechanism, excessive inflammation causes symptoms that range from minor discomfort to severe, disabling pain, fever, and limitation of mobility. Tremors, change in level of consciousness and irritability are not common finding associated with the inflammatory response.