Juvenile arthritis: a nursing perspective

B Hartley1, C C Fuller

  • 1Rheumatology Clinics, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Insights

Coping with juvenile arthritis requires family adjustment. Healthcare teams can empower families through education, psychological support, and strategies to enhance quality of life for children with this chronic illness.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Rheumatology
  • Chronic Illness Management

Background:

  • Juvenile arthritis is a significant chronic illness affecting children, impacting family dynamics.
  • Diagnosis necessitates substantial lifestyle adjustments for the entire family.
  • Understanding the multifaceted challenges is crucial for effective care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an overview of juvenile arthritis.
  • To present case studies of polyarticular arthritis in siblings.
  • To discuss strategies for empowering families to manage the disease and improve quality of life.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review on juvenile arthritis.
  • Case study analysis of two sisters with polyarticular arthritis.
  • Exploration of multidisciplinary healthcare team roles.

Main Results:

  • Families require comprehensive support to manage juvenile arthritis.
  • Education, psychological support, and physical functioning assistance are key.
  • Strategies to maintain self-esteem, motivation, and hope are vital.

Conclusions:

  • Healthcare professionals play a critical role in empowering families.
  • Multifaceted support enhances a child's quality of life despite juvenile arthritis.
  • Proactive family support is essential for successful long-term management.

Related Concept Videos

Nursing Assessment01:29

Nursing Assessment

The two sources for collecting information are primary and secondary. After gathering information, interpretation and validation help to complete the data. The purpose of assessment is to establish data with the initial information, to interpret data about the patient's perceived needs and health problems, and to respond to these problems identified.
The nurse collects all aspects of the patient's health in the initial assessment, establishing priorities for ongoing focused assessments and...
Pericarditis IV: Nursing Management01:25

Pericarditis IV: Nursing Management

Pericarditis, an inflammation of the pericardium, necessitates diligent nursing management to ensure effective patient care and recovery. The initial step in managing pericarditis is a comprehensive patient medical assessment.The patient reports chest pain aggravated by breathing, coughing, and swallowing, which worsens when lying supine. The pain often improves when sitting up and leaning forward. Additional symptoms may include fever, malaise, and, in severe cases, signs of heart failure.
Rheumatic Heart Disease IV: Nursing Management01:20

Rheumatic Heart Disease IV: Nursing Management

AssessmentA comprehensive assessment is essential in managing a patient with rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Begin with obtaining a detailed medical history, including recent streptococcal infections, a history of rheumatic fever, or previously diagnosed rheumatic heart disease. Assess the patient for symptoms such as fever, chest pain, widespread joint pain (arthralgia), tachycardia, pericardial friction rub, muffled heart sounds, heart murmurs, peripheral edema, subcutaneous nodules, and...
Atherosclerosis IV: Nursing Management01:23

Atherosclerosis IV: Nursing Management

Nursing management for a patient with arteriosclerosis involves a comprehensive approach focusing on lifestyle modification, disease monitoring, education, and symptomatic care. Here is an overview of effective nursing strategies:Assessment and Monitoring: Initial and ongoing assessments are crucial. Nurses must document the patient's medical history, including any hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and other cardiovascular diseases. Assessments also cover family history and lifestyle...
Peripheral Artery Disease IV: Nursing Management01:26

Peripheral Artery Disease IV: Nursing Management

The nursing management of a patient with peripheral artery disease (PAD) begins with a thorough assessment of the patient’s health history and clinical manifestations.AssessmentHealth History: Evaluate the patient’s history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, family history of cardiovascular issues, and lifestyle factors such as dietary patterns, smoking, and physical activity.Physical Examination:Assess the affected extremity for decreased or absent peripheral pulses, temperature changes,...
Nephrotic Syndrome III : Nursing Management01:24

Nephrotic Syndrome III : Nursing Management

Nursing management for nephrotic syndrome adapts as the disease progresses, with strategies evolving to address advancing symptoms and complications.Early-Stage Management In the early stages, nursing interventions for nephrotic syndrome resemble those used in managing acute glomerulonephritis, focusing on symptom monitoring, fluid balance, and managing mild to moderate edema.Vital Signs: Regularly monitor blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, and temperature to promptly identify...