A client diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis is likely to be prescribed which class of medication?

• A. NSAID
• B. Antibiotic
• C. Antihistamine
• D. SSRI

Answer: (A)

Rheumatoid arthritis causes joint inflammation with pain and swelling, so the medication class most directly aimed at relieving these symptoms is an NSAID. NSAIDs reduce inflammation and alleviate pain by inhibiting enzymes that produce prostaglandins, helping to decrease joint swelling and morning stiffness and improve function. They’re commonly used for quick, symptomatic relief and are often combined with disease-modifying drugs to slow disease progression. Other choices don’t target the inflammatory process in RA: antibiotics treat infections, antihistamines address allergic symptoms, and SSRIs treat mood disorders.