Patient is a 48-year-old male with complaints of stiffness in his fingers that migrates to his upper arm joints and increased fatigue over the last few months. The patient works in a bank and types frequently. He commented that he thought he could have carpal tunnel syndrome, but the fatigue was beginning to worry him. The patient reports a family history of rheumatoid arthritis. He is currently taking Motrin for pain which partially relieves the symptoms. He rates his pain a 5/10 at present, aching in both hands. The patient’s vital signs are 120/80, Pulse 78, Res 16, Temp 100.1 F. He denies any recent weight changes. Physical exam reveals: Edema to 4th and 5th PIP joints bilaterally with tenderness in the same joints. His grip strength is decreased bilaterally. No edema of knees or ankles noted.
Post an explanation of the disease highlighted in the scenario you were provided. Include the following in your explanation:
• The role genetics plays in the disease.
• Why the patient is presenting with the specific symptoms described.
• The physiologic response to the stimulus presented in the scenario and why you think this response occurred.
• The cells that are involved in this process.
• How another characteristic (e.g., gender, genetics) would change your response.
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