DiagnosisDuring the physical exam, your health care provider might ask you to bend in different directions to test the range of motion in your spine. Your provider might try to reproduce your pain by pressing on specific portions of your pelvis or by moving your legs into a particular position. You also may be asked to take a deep breath to see if you have difficulty expanding your chest. Show
Imaging testsX-rays allow doctors to check for changes in joints and bones, though the visible signs of ankylosing spondylitis might not be evident early in the disease. An MRI uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field to provide more-detailed images of bones and soft tissues. MRI scans can reveal evidence of ankylosing spondylitis earlier in the disease process, but are much more expensive. Lab testsThere are no specific lab tests to identify ankylosing spondylitis. Certain blood tests can check for markers of inflammation, but inflammation can be caused by many different health problems. Blood can be tested for the HLA-B27 gene. But many people who have that gene don't have ankylosing spondylitis and people can have the disease without having the gene. TreatmentThe goal of treatment is to relieve pain and stiffness and prevent or delay complications and spinal deformity. Ankylosing spondylitis treatment is most successful before the disease causes irreversible damage. MedicationsNonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) — such as naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, others) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) — are the medications doctors most commonly use to treat ankylosing spondylitis. These medications can relieve inflammation, pain and stiffness, but they also might cause gastrointestinal bleeding. If NSAIDs aren't helpful, your doctor might suggest starting a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker or an interleukin-17 (IL-17) inhibitor. These drugs are injected under the skin or through an intravenous line. These types of medications can reactivate untreated tuberculosis and make you more prone to infections. Examples of TNF blockers include:
IL-17 inhibitors used to treat ankylosing spondylitis include secukinumab (Cosentyx) and ixekizumab (Taltz). TherapyPhysical therapy is an important part of treatment and can provide a number of benefits, from pain relief to improved strength and flexibility. A physical therapist can design specific exercises for your needs. To help preserve good posture, you may be taught:
SurgeryMost people with ankylosing spondylitis don't need surgery. Surgery may be recommended if you have severe pain or if a hip joint is so damaged that it needs to be replaced. Lifestyle and home remediesLifestyle choices can also help manage ankylosing spondylitis.
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Coping and supportThe course of your condition can change over time, and you might have painful episodes and periods of less pain throughout your life. But most people are able to live productive lives despite a diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis. You might want to join an online or in-person support group of people with this condition, to share experiences and support. Preparing for your appointmentYou might first bring your symptoms to the attention of your family doctor. He or she may refer you to a doctor who specializes in inflammatory disorders (rheumatologist). Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment. What you can doMake a list of:
Take a family member or friend along, if possible, to help you remember the information you're given. For ankylosing spondylitis, basic questions to ask your doctor include:
What to expect from your doctorYour doctor is likely to ask you questions, such as:
Nov. 25, 2021 Which intervention is most important for the nurse to include in the plan of care for a client with ankylosing spondylitis quizlet?Upper right abdominal pain that occurs after meals and radiates to the back or right shoulder. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to include in the plan of care for a client with ankylosing spondylitis? Initiate a smoking cessation program.
Which information is most important for the nurse to provide parents about long term care for their child with hydrocephalus and a Ventriculoperitoneal VP shunt?Which information is most important for the nurse to provide parents about long-term care for their child with hydrocephalus and a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt? > Shunt malfunction or infection requires immediate treatment.
Which intervention should the nurse use when interacting with a client with Alzheimer's disease?Be connected. Make eye contact while communicating and call the person by name. Hold hands while talking. Be aware of your nonverbal cues.
Which action should the nurse implement when providing NG feeding to an unresponsive client?After 4 hours, the nurse determines the client has no drainage from the NGT and has absent bowel sounds. What action should the nurse implement? Irrigate the NGT with normal saline.
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