Discussing Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)

A nursing student is asked to discuss juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) at a clinical conference scheduled for the end of the clinical day. Which statement by the nursing student indicates the need to further research this disorder?

a) JIA is characterized by chronic joint inflammation.
b) Rheumatoid factor is always present in JIA.
c) JIA can affect children of any age.
d) Management includes medications and physical therapy.

Final answer:

The incorrect statement suggesting that rheumatoid factor is always present in JIA indicates the nursing student needs to further research the disorder.

Explanation:

The statement by the nursing student that indicates the need to further research juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is: b) Rheumatoid factor is always present in JIA. This is not accurate as rheumatoid factor can be present in some cases of JIA, but it is not always present. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is characterized by chronic joint inflammation, can affect children of any age, and its management typically includes medications and physical therapy, which are all accurately reflected in the other statements provided by the student.