The main reason for the use of Aspirin in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is to :

Appeared in: IGNOU PB Bsc Entrance-2023

Explanation

Aspirin is classified as a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID).
The primary pathology in rheumatoid arthritis is chronic inflammation of the synovial joints.
Aspirin's main therapeutic action in this context is inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which are potent inflammatory mediators, thereby reducing joint inflammation and pain.
While aspirin has other effects, its anti-inflammatory property is the principal reason for its use in inflammatory conditions like RA.

Option A: Although aspirin has antipyretic (fever-reducing) properties, significant fever is not a primary or common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, reducing fever is not the main goal of therapy in this context.
Option C: Helping with range of motion is a secondary benefit or a positive outcome of treatment, not the primary reason for administering the drug. The improvement in motion occurs because the underlying inflammation and pain have been reduced.
Option D: Aspirin and other NSAIDs only provide symptomatic relief. They do not alter the underlying autoimmune process or prevent the long-term progression of joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Pharmacological management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with NSAIDs helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Nurses must educate patients that NSAIDs like aspirin manage symptoms but do not cure or stop the progression of RA. This helps set realistic expectations and emphasizes the need for adherence to other prescribed medications like DMARDs.
A critical nursing responsibility is to monitor for and teach patients about the significant side effects of long-term, high-dose aspirin therapy, including gastrointestinal issues (like ulcers and bleeding) and signs of toxicity (salicylism), such as tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
What if? If the patient's primary goal was to prevent long-term joint damage, the nurse would anticipate the provider prescribing a Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drug (DMARD), like methotrexate, often in combination with an NSAID for symptom control initially.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key elements: the drug is Aspirin, the condition is rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and the question asks for the 'main reason' for its use.
Recall the drug class of Aspirin. It is a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID).
Consider the primary pathology of RA, which is an inflammatory autoimmune disease affecting the joints.
Connect the drug's primary action (anti-inflammatory) with the disease's primary problem (inflammation). This establishes the most direct and 'main' reason for its use.
Evaluate the other options. 'Reduce fever' is an action of aspirin but not the main problem in RA. 'Help in range of motion' is a consequence of reduced inflammation, not the primary action. 'Prevent extension of disease' is the role of a different drug class (DMARDs).
This process of elimination confirms that reducing inflammation is the most accurate and primary reason.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Pharmacological management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with NSAIDs.
Stem keywords: Aspirin, rheumatoid arthritis, main reason, treatment
Lead-in keywords: main reason

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E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 2 p. 752-754

E6 Pharmacology KD Tripathi Essentials 9e Part 1 p. 238-240

Practise the full IGNOU PB Bsc Entrance-2023

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.