Pharmacotherapy of Endocrine and Musculoskeletal Disorders
Osteoarthritis is a common disorder frequently encountered in primary care practice affecting approximately 30 million patients within the U.S. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Advance practice nurses must be familiar with diagnosing and treating this ailment effectively in the outpatient setting.NURS 6521 wk 6 Essay Discussion
The Disease
Osteoarthritis is characterized by degeneration of articular joint cartilages, decreasing production of synovial fluid, and ultimately impairing function of the affected joint (Arcangelo, Peterson, Wilbur, & Reinhold, 2017). Diagnosis is based on the American Collage of Rheumatology (ACR) diagnostic criteria with further specificity based on the affected joint. General symptoms include pain, stiffness, crepitus, tenderness, and pain with movement or that radiates. Physical symptoms include Heberden’s nodules to distal joints, joint effusion or enlargement, decreased range of motion, joint contractures, and progressive worsening.
Initiating Treatment
Osteoarthritis treatment goals are to decrease pain/discomfort, improve functionality, and prevent further progression of the disorder. Severity at the time of diagnosis can lead the prescribers plan of treatment and the level of aggressive treatment.