Chapter 52: Alterations in Musculoskeletal Function: Rheumatic Disorders

A clinical finding consistent with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis would be a. systemic manifestations of inflammation. b. localized pain in weight-bearing joints. c. reduced excretion of uric acid by the kidney. d. firm, crystallized nodules or "tophi" at the affected joints.

ANS: A Systemic manifestations of inflammation is a clinical finding consistent with rheumatoid arthritis. The pain of rheumatoid arthritis is not localized to weight-bearing joint. Uric acid is not a causative factor in this disorder. Gout causes firm, crystallized nodules, or "tophi," at the affected joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis is commonly associated with the presence of rheumatoid factor autoantibodies in the bloodstream. This indicates that rheumatoid arthritis is likely to be a. due to bacterial infection. b. an autoimmune process. c. an infective process. d. due to an enzymatic defect

ANS: B The presence of rheumatoid factor autoantibodies indicates that RA is an autoimmune process. The presence of rheumatoid factor autoantibodies does not indicate infection, an infective process, or an enzymatic defect.

Gouty arthritis is a complication of a. group A streptococcal infection. b. autoimmune destruction of joint collagen. c. excessive production of urea. d. inadequate renal excretion of uric acid.

ANS: D Gouty arthritis is a complication of inadequate renal excretion of uric acid. Rheumatic fever-related arthritis is related to group A streptococcal infection. Gout is not an autoimmune disorder. Gout is due to inadequate renal excretion of uric acid, not excessive production of urea.

In contrast to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis may be associated with a. debilitating joint pain and stiffness. b. improvement in symptoms with aspirin therapy. c. changes in activities of daily living. d. systemic aching in the musculoskeletal system.

ANS: D Rheumatoid arthritis is associated with systemic aching in the musculoskeletal system, but osteoarthritis is not. Osteoarthritis also causes debilitating joint pain and stiffness. Aspirin therapy will improve symptoms in both disorders. Both disorders can lead to changes in activities of daily living.