Rheumatology nursing : a creative approach / edited by Jackie Hill.

Previous ed.: Edinburgh: Chruchill Livingstone, 1998.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

SECTION 1: This section provides an overview of the musculoskeletal system and the immune system and describes how rheumatic conditions affect them. A chapter is also devoted to the different investigations that are used to diagnose and assess the patient. The central role of the nurse caring for the rheumatic patient is discussed and the benefits of adopting a therapeutic rather than an exclusively supportive framework is advocated. The expanding role of the nurse within the speciality is explored, including the role of the consultant nurse, nurse-led clinics and academic nursing roles-- 1. The principles, practice and evolution of rheumatology nursing -- 2. The musculoskeletal system and the rheumatic diseases-- 3. The immune system and rheumatic disease-- 4. Biochemical, haematological and clinical assessments in the rheumatic diseases -- SECTION 2: Addressing the Patient\'s Problems:- People who have rheumatic diseases encounter many physical, psychological and social problems. This section will highlight the problems and this will enable the nurse to address them systematically using effective methods of intervention. A model based on patient problems is used as a framework to provide a logical and structured approach to care. --5. The psychological aspects of rheumatic disease-- 6. The effects of rheumatic disease on body image and sexuality-- 7. The social implications of rheumatic disease -- 8. Pain and stiffness --9. Fatigue and sleep--10. The skin and nutrition-- SECTION 3: Therapeutic Interventions:-The multifaceted nature of rheumatic diseases requires a combination of therapies. In addition to conventional treatments such as drug therapy and surgery, this section includes complementary therapeutic interventions such as aromatherapy and acupuncture. Continuing the theme of empowering and working in partnership with the patient, this chapter is underpinned by a chapter on patient education. -- 11. Multidisciplinary teamcare of the rheumatic patient --12. Medications in the rheumatic diseases --13. Complimentary interventions -- 14. Surgical interventions-- 15. Patient education--SECTION 4: Primary and Paediatric Care:- A person with a rheumatic disease is often cared for in both the primary and secondary sector. This \'shared care\' makes an important contribution to the patient\'s well-being but requires adequate support mechanisms to function efficiently. The factors necessary to implement effective shared-care schemes are discussed in detail. The final chapter concerns children and young people. Although children with rheumatic diseases share many of the problems faced by adults, they and their families also confront manu discrete additional problems. The chapter on paediatric care provides a description of the classification of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and its treatments, and describes the educational and psychological needs of this vulnerable group---16. Seamless primary and secondary care -- 17. Paediatric care.

This is a new edition of an established research-based text on one of the fastest growing topics in nursing. Nurses dealing with this complex subject need to be kept up to date and this book written by a team of expert rheumatology nurses fills that role.