This course has been approved for 4 hours by the Commission on Case Manager Certification for 2008, 2/12/09 through 12/31/09, 1/15/10 through 12/31/10, 2011, 2012, and 2013.
The purpose of this continuing education course is to provide nurses with information and strategies to improve care for people with arthritic disorders. After studying the information presented here, you will be able to:
- Describe the incidence and effect of arthritic disorders on the U.S. population.
- Recognize the pathological process in various forms of arthritis.
- Identify resources for the public and healthcare professionals that can help them learn more about arthritis.
- Discuss the pathology, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, nonpharmacological treatments, and nursing principles relevant to patients with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and other arthritic disorders.
- Discuss common medications for people with arthritis, including patient education issues.
- Describe the nursing management of a patient with a total knee arthroplasty or total hip arthroplasty.
- Identify the roles that complementary and alternative therapies, exercise, and nutrition play in the management of arthritic disorders.
