Decaffeinated coffee is associated with an increased risk of developing RA.[4] High doses of vitamin D, tea consumption, and oral contraceptives are associated with a decreased risk.[4]The nurse practitioner (NP) can expect to encounter RA patients in practice and needs to be prepared to partner with the patient and other health care professionals to diagnose and manage this disease. The purpose of this article is to provide guidance for the NP in the diagnosis and management of RA.