Nurseslabs For All Your Nursing Needs

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory disorder of unknown origin that primarily involves the synovial membrane of the joints. Phagocytosis produces enzymes within the joint. The enzymes break down collagen, causing edema, proliferation of the synovial membrane, and ultimately pannus formation. Pannus destroys cartilage and erodes the bone. The consequence is loss of articular surfaces and joint motion. Muscle fibers undergo degenerative changes.