Mary Smith is a 44 year old mother (children ages 8, 11, 12, 15, and two children from a previous marriage that are 26 and 28) and wife who lives in an apartment in the Heartside Neighborhood. She currently works full-time as a cashier at the local grocery store. She enters the clinic today complaining of vague joint pain, fatigue, poor appetite, and general malaise, which she initially attributed to a case of the flu, but the symptoms have not resolved despite the fact that it’s been well over 6 weeks.
Critical Thinking Activity
After reviewing Mary's reports from her visits at the Kaycon Clinic, answer the following questions.
Mrs. Smith is 44 years old. Would your nursing interventions differ if she were 72 years old? If so, how?
Education is the foundation of the successful treatment of RA. Develop a teaching plan for Mrs. Smith, including her family.
List the possible disabilities that may be caused by rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic illness. What are the physical, emotional, and economic implications of a chronic illness?
Develop a nursing care plan for Mrs. Smith.