Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is an auto-immune disease that affects the sacroiliac joints and spine. The exact cause of the disease is not known, but both genetic and environmental factors contribute to it. Many patients with AS typically carry the human leukocyte antigen B27 (HLA-B27) gene (Zhu et al., 2019). This gene activates the immune system against the fibrocartilage by providing an antigen to the CD8+ T-cells. People with this condition also display high production of interleukin 10 and low levels of interferon and TNFα. The disease progresses and destroys joint and articular tissues. This leads to chronic inflammation of the spine that could result in immobility with time.
There are several nursing interventions that can be taken to alleviate Ankylosing Spondylitis. Nurses should encourage patients to participate in physical therapy, hydrotherapy, and other exercise programs to boost mobility (Vivienne & Michael, 2018). Another intervention involves reducing inflammation and pain in the affected area. This is done by applying heat pads to the areas and using assistive devices such as canes to walk. Nurses may also administer prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) medication to reduce joint inflammation. Ultimately, the goal of these interventions is to encourage the patient to keep performing them autonomously.
The main method of evaluating the selected nursing interventions is patient reports. Since pain level and stiffness are subjective, a patient must report reduced pain and stiffness for the intervention to be assessed as effective. On the other hand, objective data is collected by observing the patient. Improved posture and mobility are indicative of effective nursing interventions. Finally, the interventions can be evaluated by examining how long a patient has practiced them. For instance, if the patient intentionally and consistently attends physical therapy sessions, this can be considered helpful to them. With the aid of healthcare professionals, Ankylosing Spondylitis is a manageable condition.
References
Vivienne, L., & Michael, S. (2018). Nurses’ roles in the management of chronic inflammatory arthritis: a systematic review. Rheumatology International, 38(11), 2027-2036. Web.
Zhu, W., He, X., Cheng, K., Zhang, L., Chen, D., Wang, X., Qiu, G., Cao, X., & Weng, X. (2019). Ankylosing spondylitis: etiology, pathogenesis, and treatments. Bone Research, 7(1), 1-16. Web.