Guidelines for the management of rheumatoid arthritis: 2002 Update.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a progressive polyarthritis that is responsible for over nine million office visits annually. It is likely that most nurse practitioners will care for one or more patients with RA because approximately 1% of the adult population is affected by this disabling disorder. The guideline reviewed in this month’s column describes the recommended care of patients who have been previously diagnosed with RA. Author Grace Newsome, EdD, APRN-BC, FNP, is an Associate Professor of Nursing, North Georgia College & State University, Dahlonega, GA.