What are early manifestations that a nurse would expect in a client with suspected rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?

In the context of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), fatigue is one of the early manifestations that can significantly impact a client's quality of life. This fatigue can stem from the persistent inflammatory processes occurring in the body that lead to a constant feeling of tiredness and lack of energy. It is often one of the first symptoms clients report when they start experiencing systemic changes associated with RA.

In contrast, while joint deformities may occur later as the disease progresses, they are not typically early signs. Severe pain can be present early in the disease process; however, it is often not the first symptom observed or reported. High fever is also not a common early manifestation of RA; in many cases, patients may experience low-grade fever or none at all. Overall, fatigue is a crucial early indicator of rheumatoid arthritis and can lead healthcare providers to investigate further for diagnosis and management of the condition.