Assessment and management of polymyalgia rheumatica in older adults

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a periarticular rheumatic condition characterized by pain and stiffness, primarily in the neck, shoulders, hips, and pelvic girdle. Temporal arteritis (TA) or giant cell arteritis, the most common primary vasculitis in older adults, is found in approximately 10% to 30% of people who have PMR. Left untreated, TA can result in sudden, irreversible blindness. Geriatric nurses need to familiarize themselves with these disorders to accurately assess and manage people with them.