Word parts
What it means
The immune systemih-MYOON SIS-tumThe body's defense system of cells, tissues and organs that fights germs and other foreign substances.Full entry attacks the lining of the joints, which become painful, swollen, warm and stiff. It usually affects the same joints on both sides of the body, often the small joints of the hands and feet, and stiffness is worst in the morning, lasting an hour or more. Over time the joints can become damaged and deformed. The whole body can be affected, with tiredness and sometimes fever.
For the nurse
Assess pain, stiffness and how the client manages daily tasks. Suggest a warm shower in the morning and rest between activities. Many treatments (such as methotrexate and biologic drugs) lower immunity, so teach infection prevention.
In a chart
"Morning stiffness lasting 2 hours; both wrists and finger joints swollen and warm."
At a glance
| Abbreviations | RA |
|---|---|
| Spanish | artritis reumatoide |
| Also written | rheumatoid-arthritis |
Related terms
osteoarthritis
A long-term joint disease in which the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears away.
-itis
A word ending that means inflammation.
-oid
A word ending that means like or resembling.
inflammation
The body's protective response to injury or infection, with redness, heat, swelling, pain and sometimes loss of function.
immune system
The body's defense system of cells, tissues and organs that fights germs and other foreign substances.