Felty's syndrome is a complication of?

NORCET 6 mains-2024

Medical & Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: NORCET 6 mains-2024

Explanation

Felty's syndrome is a rare, extra-articular complication specifically associated with long-standing rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
It is classically defined by a triad of conditions: severe rheumatoid arthritis, an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly), and a low white blood cell count (neutropenia).
The syndrome typically develops in patients with seropositive RA (positive for rheumatoid factor) that has been present for many years.
The most significant clinical consequence is an increased susceptibility to serious bacterial infections due to the severe neutropenia.

Option A: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative 'wear-and-tear' joint disease, not a systemic autoimmune disorder. It does not cause the systemic features like splenomegaly and neutropenia seen in Felty's syndrome.
Option C: While Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that can present with arthritis, splenomegaly, and low blood counts, the specific triad of RA + splenomegaly + neutropenia is defined as Felty's syndrome.
Option D: Osteochondritis is the inflammation of bone and cartilage, typically a localized issue often seen in children and adolescents related to injury or growth. It is not a systemic autoimmune condition.

Visual 1: Infographic - A diagram illustrating the three components of Felty's syndrome: Rheumatoid Arthritis (showing affected joints), Splenomegaly (an enlarged spleen), and Neutropenia (a depiction of low white blood cells).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Complications of Rheumatoid Arthritis helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
The primary nursing concern for a patient with Felty's syndrome is the high risk of infection due to neutropenia. Nurses must implement strict infection control measures (neutropenic precautions).
Patient education is critical. The nurse must teach the patient and family to recognize early signs of infection (fever, sore throat, chills) and to seek immediate medical attention.
Nurses should monitor complete blood counts (CBC) closely, paying special attention to the absolute neutrophil count (ANC).

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question stem: 'Felty's syndrome'.
This is a factual recall question that requires you to know the definition of a specific medical syndrome.
Access your knowledge base about rheumatological diseases and their complications.
Recall that Felty's syndrome is a well-known, albeit rare, complication specifically linked to one of the options.
Evaluate the options: Osteoarthritis is degenerative, SLE is a different autoimmune disease, and Osteochondritis is localized inflammation. Rheumatoid arthritis is the correct underlying condition for Felty's syndrome.
Confirm the answer by remembering the classic triad: RA, splenomegaly, and neutropenia.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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