Patient/caregiver was educated on the complications of unresolved rheumatoid arthritis as follows:
Compromised independence on ADL/IADL performance
- The pain and tenderness with limitation of range of motion in the joints involved can lead to reduced ability and independence on ADL/IADL performance.
- This can contribute to overall compromised activity and caregiver dependent states.
Increased risk for clot formation
- Reduced activity of the individual with limited ROM of the involved joints, especially of lower extremities, lead to increased pooling of blood in the limb.
- This can increase the risk for clot formation in the deeper veins of the limb, thus contributing to development of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and associated complications.
Bone fracture
- Chronic exposure of the bone and joint to inflammation and injury leads to severe damage to the structure of bone, thus weakening the framework, resulting in fracture of the bone.
