A client presents with joint pain and stiffness. The healthcare provider performs a physical examination and finds tenderness over the affected joint, as well as crepitus during joint movement. Which of the following diagnostic tests is most appropriate to evaluate the joint for osteoarthritis?
Complete blood count (CBC)
Rheumatoid factor (RF) blood test
X-ray of the joint
Synovial fluid analysis
The Correct Answer is C
X-ray of the joint is the most appropriate diagnostic test to evaluate for osteoarthritis. X-ray can show joint space narrowing, osteophyte formation, and changes in bone density, which are typical findings in osteoarthritis. A complete blood count (CBC) and rheumatoid factor (RF) blood test are used to assess for inflammation and autoimmune markers, respectively, which are more indicative of inflammatory arthritis conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, not osteoarthritis. Synovial fluid analysis is usually performed to assess for infection or inflammation in the joint and may not be as helpful in diagnosing osteoarthritis.
a. A complete blood count (CBC) is used to assess for general health and detect various conditions, but it is not specific to osteoarthritis.
b. A rheumatoid factor (RF) blood test is used to diagnose inflammatory arthritis conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, not osteoarthritis.
d. Synovial fluid analysis is usually performed to assess for infection or inflammation in the joint, but it may not provide definitive evidence of osteoarthritis.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Obesity is a modifiable risk factor for osteoarthritis. Excess body weight puts increased stress on weight-bearing joints, such as the knees and hips, leading to accelerated wear and tear of the joint cartilage.
a. Age over 60 years is a non-modifiable risk factor for osteoarthritis. While the risk of osteoarthritis increases with age, the age itself cannot be modified.
b. Female gender is a non-modifiable risk factor for osteoarthritis. Women have a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis compared to men, but gender cannot be modified.
c. Family history of osteoarthritis is a non-modifiable risk factor. Having a family history of the condition increases the risk, but it cannot be modified.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Heberden's nodes are bony enlargements that occur at the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints of the fingers and are a characteristic finding in osteoarthritis. Warm, swollen, and tender joints are typical of inflammatory arthritis conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, not osteoarthritis. Symmetrical joint involvement is more common in systemic autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, not osteoarthritis. A positive Babinski reflex is a neurological finding and is not related to the diagnosis of osteoarthritis.
a. Warm, swollen, and tender joints are typical of inflammatory arthritis conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, not osteoarthritis.
b. Symmetrical joint involvement is more common in systemic autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, not osteoarthritis.
d. A positive Babinski reflex is a neurological finding and is not related to the diagnosis of osteoarthritis.
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