Mrs. Jefferson has visible deformities in the fingers on both hands, and she says her fingers hurt most of the time. The practitioner has diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis. Mrs. Jefferson confesses that she does not know much about this disorder and asks what causes it. What should the medical assistant tell her?
A) "Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by excess deposits of uric acid crystals in the finger joints."
B) "Rheumatoid arthritis is a metabolic disorder that can be treated with surgery."
C) "Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease; the body's immune system attacks the joints."
D) "Rheumatoid arthritis is generally the result of a hormone deficiency."
E) "Rheumatoid arthritis is a hereditary disease that often runs in families."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, particularly the synovium, a thin membrane that lines the joints, leading to inflammation, pain, and eventually joint deformity.

Mrs Jefferson Has Visible Deformities in the Fingers on Both