Question

Part 1: Case Study, Chapter 44, Disorders of the Skeletal System: Metabolic and Rheumatic Disorders R is a 55-year-old white female who is being seen today for her annual physical. She states the following: "this getting old is tough. I stay tired all the time, I hurt all over, and I am not as strong as I once was; plus, my feet are getting bigger and I can't wear any of my shoes." Upon further questioning, she reveals that her wrists have really been hurting, and she is afraid she may have carpal tunnel. Her family history is significant for a mother who died at 60 years of age with heart disease and some type of joint problem. The only significant past medical history that Ms. R reports is a "horrific case of the flu" about a year ago 1. What additional information would be helpful? (Charlie Xiao) D e me a # 5 9 O hp

Answer 1

Ms R has many risk factors that can cause rheumatic skeletal diseases like age of 55 yrs,family history of joint problem,woman is at a higher risk for getting rheumatic disorder.she also verbalizes that she feels she has got carpal syndrome which is again a complication of rheumatic disease.

Additional information which could be collected during history taking to identify any predisposing risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis are

1)Smoking:History of smoking or regular habit of smoking increases the risk of rheumatoid arthritis.

2)Urinary tract infection:We should ask for any history of diagnosed urinary tract infection or signs of UTI like burning micturation,fever,suprapubic pain,Urinary tract infection is a risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis.

3) periodontal Disease:Check for history of any gum disease which is a risk factor for rhematoid arthritis

4) Environmental background:Check for exposure to any toxic chemicals the backyard,garden these chemicals can lead to rhematoid arthritis.

5) Obesity:Check for MS R weight,height,BMI which will help us to understand whether she is obese as obesity is a risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis.

6)Diet:we should take information on her dietary pattern as certain foods like salt,oil,processed food can increase of rheumatoid arthritis.

7)Family history:Ask for any diagnosed case of rheumatoid arthritis among family members.

All these information will help us to identify the risk associated with rheumatoid arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome.