Course Code: REL-ACU-0-RACHAD
Hours: 1
Type: Online Course
Content Expiration Date: 12/31/2028
Learning Objectives:
Review the epidemiology and pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis.
Recall symptoms and diagnostic criteria for rheumatoid arthritis.
Identify appropriate treatments and other considerations for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Outline:
Section 1: Introduction
Meet Sylvia
What Is RA?
Systemic Impact
Progression
Stages of RA
Pathophysiology
Cytokine Cascade
Risk Factors
Genetics
Age and Gender
Environmental and Other Risk Factors
Race and Ethnicity
Review
Key Takeaways
Section 2: Clinical Presentation
Assessment
Joint Symptoms
Labs
Routine Labs
Autoantibody and Specialized Labs
Additional Tests
Remember Sylvia?
Diagnostics
2010 ACR-EULAR Criteria
Imaging
X-Rays
Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (MSUS)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Key Takeaways
Section 3: Pharmacological Management
Treatment Evolution and Current Guidelines
Sylvia’s Choices
2015 Versus 2021 Guidelines
Current Treatment Goals
Front-line Therapy
Conventional Synthetic DMARDs
Next-Line Targeted Therapy: Biologics
Biologic DMARDS
Targeted Synthetic DMARDS: JAK Inhibitors
Biologics Adverse Effects
Adjunct Therapy
NSAIDs
Steroids
Sylvia’s Decision
Review
Key Takeaways
Section 4: Non-Pharmacological Management and Special Considerations
Lifestyle Modifications
Diet
Weight Management
Smoking Cessation
Psychological Support
Review
Physical and Occupational Therapy
Mobility and Self-Help Daily Activity Devices
Vaccines and Preventative Measures
COVID-19 Vaccine
Quality of Life (QoL) and Coping
Pain
Coping
Role of the Pharmacist
Sylvia’s Plan
Key Takeaways
Section 5: Conclusion
Course Summary
Course Contributor
Resources
References
Subject Matter Expert: Alia Lutz, BA, BSN, RN
Alia Lutz, BA, BSN, RN, has over 10 years of experience as a Registered Nurse with a focus on cardiothoracic, respiratory, and coronary care. She has also had experience in Med-Surg, step-down and ICU. Prior to joining Relias as a SME and Content Writer for acute care, she provided virtual education and injection training on injectable biologics to patients, reported adverse events, and was a patient advocate. She has collaborated with peers on creating job aids, writing policies, and improving quality of care and documentation. Alia received her Bachelors in Nursing from Otago Polytechnic in New Zealand in 2011.
Target Audience:
The target audience for this course is: Laboratory Personnel; Nursing Personnel; Pharmacists; in the following settings: Ambulatory Care, Clinics: Primary Care, Clinics: Rural Health.
Relias Learning will be transparent in disclosing if any commercial support, sponsorship or co-providership is present prior to the learner completing the course.
Relias Learning has a grievance policy in place to facilitate reports of dissatisfaction. Relias Learning will make every effort to resolve each grievance in a mutually satisfactory manner. In order to report a complaint or grievance please contact Relias Learning at support@reliaslearning.com.
All courses offered by Relias Learning, LLC are developed from a foundation of diversity, inclusiveness, and a multicultural perspective. Knowledge, values and awareness related to cultural competency are infused throughout the course content.
To earn continuing education credit for this course you must achieve a passing score of 80% on the post-test and complete the course evaluation.
Course Delivery Method and Format
Asynchronous Distance Learning with interactivity which includes quizzes with questions/answers, and posttests.