When the nurse brings medications to a patient with rheumatoid arthritis,the patient refuses the prescribed methotrexate. The patient tells the nurse,"My arthritis isn't that bad yet. The side effects of methotrexate are worse than the arthritis." The most appropriate response by the nurse is

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)are prescribed early to prevent the joint degeneration that occurs as soon as the first year with RA. The other statements are accurate,but the most important point for the patient to understand is that it is important to start DMARDs as quickly as possible.

When the Nurse Brings Medications to a Patient with Rheumatoid