What type of arthritis does Sandy have? What signs/symptoms support this diagnosis rather than a different type?
Sandy is a 45 y.o. women who works transporting patients at the local hospital. She has noticed stiffness in her hands when she wakes up for several months. Recently Sandy has been feeling very depressed, fatigued, and nauseated at times. One morning she wakes up and both knees are sore, swollen, red, and warm to the touch. She decides it is time to go to the doctor.
The doctor takes Sandy’s history, examines her knees and hands, and runs some tests. Here are the results of the lab tests.
CBC: RBC 3.9 million/mcL
WBC 7,000/mcL
Platelets 375,000/mcL
ESR: 23mm/hr
CRP: normal
RF: seropositive
ANA: negative
After several visits and more lab tests, Sandy is diagnosed with arthritis. She is sent home with medications and told to balance rest with exercise.
What type of arthritis does Sandy have? What signs/symptoms support this diagnosis rather than a different type? What lab tests indicate this type of arthritis?
Is there a test available that would completely confirm this type of arthritis?
What medications might Sandy be prescribed for pain control (give at least two possibilities)?
She is also given a low dose of glucocorticoid to be taken qod. What are the benefits of this medication for Sandy and what are the possible complications?
