Which medication is most often used in the initial treatment of the client with rheumatoid arthritis?
1. Corticosteroids
2. Aspirin
3. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs
4. Gold salts
Answer: 2
Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) is the drug of choice and is the most effective in the early treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) because of its immediate effects on relieving symptoms associated with RA. Corticosteroids and gold salts typically are not used in the early or initial treatment. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are usually started within 3 months of diagnosis. However, DMARDs take several weeks to months to become effective in preventing further joint deterioration.