This document provides information about rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and nursing care planning for a patient with RA. It begins with a definition and description of RA as a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects the joints, causing painful swelling and potential bone erosion. Signs and symptoms of RA are then listed. The document then provides an example nursing care plan for a RA patient, including assessments of pain, a nursing diagnosis of chronic pain related to joint deterioration, and goals and interventions focused on pain management and maintaining function.