Which drug class for rheumatoid arthritis is specifically noted for its toxicity, necessitating its reservation for severe cases?
Explanation
The term 'toxicity' implies a higher level of potential harm than 'side effects'. The significant potential for systemic toxicity is the key reason why potent DMARDs are not used for mild disease and are reserved for severe cases where their benefits in preventing joint destruction are most needed.
Other questions
What is the primary use of NSAIDs, aspirin, and other salicylates in the management of rheumatoid arthritis?
Why are corticosteroids primarily reserved for more advanced swelling and discomfort in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis?
Which class of antirheumatic drugs is specifically designed to slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis and delay joint destruction?
What is a significant limitation shared by both NSAIDs and corticosteroids in the long-term management of rheumatoid arthritis?
For which type of rheumatoid arthritis cases are Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) typically reserved?
What is the primary reason cited in the text for reserving Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for severe cases of rheumatoid arthritis?
How long might a patient need to be on therapy with Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) before a benefit is noted?
What is the general mechanism of action for most Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)?
A patient reports an allergy to aspirin. Which other class of antirheumatic medication should this patient not receive?
In which patient population are corticosteroids contraindicated for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis?
What specific precaution should be taken when prescribing NSAIDs and corticosteroids to patients?
Due to their immunosuppressive properties, Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) should be avoided in patients with which of the following conditions?
What is a potential interaction when NSAIDs are used concurrently with diuretics and other antihypertensives?
Concurrent use of corticosteroids with certain other medications may lead to what potential adverse effect related to digoxin?
What is the primary risk of using Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) concurrently with other immunosuppressants?
Which type of vaccination should not be administered concurrently with Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)?
According to the nursing implications, how frequently should a patient undergoing antirheumatic therapy be assessed for pain, swelling, and range of motion?
What is the primary reason that most antirheumatic agents require regular administration?
What is the primary desired outcome of antirheumatic therapy as listed in the Evaluation section?
Corticosteroids are particularly useful in controlling what aspect of rheumatoid arthritis?
What therapeutic property is shared by both NSAIDs and corticosteroids in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis?
In severe cases of rheumatoid arthritis, what is the main therapeutic goal of using antirheumatics?
What action may be required if a patient on DMARDs experiences serious and frequent adverse reactions?
A patient with which pre-existing condition should use corticosteroids with caution?
Which of the following is listed in the text as a potential nursing diagnosis for a patient receiving antirheumatic therapy?
In which patient population should DMARDs be avoided due to the significant risk posed by their immunosuppressive properties?
What instruction should be given to a patient regarding the initial effectiveness of their antirheumatic therapy?
Which class of antirheumatic drugs is NOT noted for preventing disease progression or joint destruction?
What is the primary reason corticosteroids are used to manage advanced swelling and discomfort in rheumatoid arthritis, despite their side effects?
What is a defining characteristic of Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) regarding their therapeutic onset?
If a patient is receiving therapy with a Disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD), which of the following should be avoided?
The use of corticosteroids may increase the risk of toxicity from which cardiac medication due to the potential for augmenting hypokalemia?
A patient taking a diuretic for hypertension begins therapy with an NSAID for rheumatoid arthritis. What potential interaction should the nurse be aware of?
What is a primary side effect concern that contributes to corticosteroids being reserved for more advanced cases of rheumatoid arthritis?
The management of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms such as pain and swelling is a primary use for which class of medications?
The text states that serious and frequent adverse reactions to DMARDs might occur despite what circumstance?
The idea that the autoimmune response is responsible for joint destruction is the basis for the mechanism of action of which drug class?
What is a general contraindication listed for antirheumatic agents?
In addition to patients with active infections and underlying malignancy, in which other group should DMARDs be avoided due to the risks of immunosuppression?
The text lists the potential nursing diagnosis 'Chronic pain' under what specific category?
What is the primary focus of the recommended monthly assessment for patients on antirheumatic therapy?
What is the primary consequence of using DMARDs with other immunosuppressants?
Which of the following is an intended therapeutic outcome of using antirheumatic drugs for symptom management?
A patient receiving corticosteroids for rheumatoid arthritis should be monitored for interactions that might lead to which electrolyte imbalance?
A patient with an active, untreated infection should not be treated with which antirheumatic agent?
Which statement most accurately describes the role of Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in rheumatoid arthritis management?
A key teaching point for a patient starting on a DMARD is that the therapy...
Which of the following is NOT a primary goal of antirheumatic therapy as described in the text?
Concurrent use of which two drug classes is contraindicated in a patient with a known aspirin allergy?