Practice Test Questions: Osteoarthritis
(From Case Files: Internal Medicine 5e)
Already Passed
Which of the following best describes the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid
arthritis?
✔✔A) Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune
disorder
B) Rheumatoid arthritis primarily affects weight-bearing joints, while osteoarthritis affects
smaller joints
C) Osteoarthritis is characterized by systemic inflammation, while rheumatoid arthritis is
localized
D) Rheumatoid arthritis is more common in older adults, while osteoarthritis affects younger
individuals
A 62-year-old patient with osteoarthritis of the knee is asking about the use of ice for pain relief.
What is the nurse’s best advice?
A) Apply ice for no more than 5 minutes at a time
✔✔B) Apply ice for 15-20 minutes at a time to reduce swelling and inflammation
C) Use ice packs only if the joint is visibly swollen
1
,D) Ice should not be used because it can worsen pain
Which of the following physical therapy treatments is most appropriate for a patient with
osteoarthritis in the hip?
✔✔A) Stretching and strengthening exercises to improve mobility and reduce pain
B) High-impact aerobics to improve cardiovascular health
C) Resting the hip joint completely for several weeks
D) Using heat therapy exclusively for joint pain relief
What is the role of weight management in the management of osteoarthritis?
✔✔A) Reducing body weight helps decrease stress on weight-bearing joints, relieving pain and
improving function
B) Losing weight has no effect on osteoarthritis symptoms
C) Gaining weight can help provide cushioning to the joints
D) Weight management is only helpful for knee osteoarthritis, not hip or hand osteoarthritis
Which of the following medications should be used cautiously in patients with osteoarthritis,
especially if they have a history of gastrointestinal issues?
A) Acetaminophen
2
, ✔✔B) Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
C) Glucosamine and chondroitin
D) Corticosteroids
Which of the following is the most common joint affected by osteoarthritis in older adults?
✔✔A) Knee
B) Hip
C) Shoulder
D) Elbow
A 60-year-old woman with osteoarthritis complains of knee pain that worsens with activity and
improves with rest. Which of the following findings is most consistent with osteoarthritis?
A) Warmth and redness around the joint
✔✔B) Joint stiffness after prolonged inactivity
C) Symmetrical joint involvement
D) Morning stiffness lasting longer than 30 minutes
Which of the following is a hallmark radiographic finding in osteoarthritis?
3
(From Case Files: Internal Medicine 5e)
Already Passed
Which of the following best describes the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid
arthritis?
✔✔A) Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune
disorder
B) Rheumatoid arthritis primarily affects weight-bearing joints, while osteoarthritis affects
smaller joints
C) Osteoarthritis is characterized by systemic inflammation, while rheumatoid arthritis is
localized
D) Rheumatoid arthritis is more common in older adults, while osteoarthritis affects younger
individuals
A 62-year-old patient with osteoarthritis of the knee is asking about the use of ice for pain relief.
What is the nurse’s best advice?
A) Apply ice for no more than 5 minutes at a time
✔✔B) Apply ice for 15-20 minutes at a time to reduce swelling and inflammation
C) Use ice packs only if the joint is visibly swollen
1
,D) Ice should not be used because it can worsen pain
Which of the following physical therapy treatments is most appropriate for a patient with
osteoarthritis in the hip?
✔✔A) Stretching and strengthening exercises to improve mobility and reduce pain
B) High-impact aerobics to improve cardiovascular health
C) Resting the hip joint completely for several weeks
D) Using heat therapy exclusively for joint pain relief
What is the role of weight management in the management of osteoarthritis?
✔✔A) Reducing body weight helps decrease stress on weight-bearing joints, relieving pain and
improving function
B) Losing weight has no effect on osteoarthritis symptoms
C) Gaining weight can help provide cushioning to the joints
D) Weight management is only helpful for knee osteoarthritis, not hip or hand osteoarthritis
Which of the following medications should be used cautiously in patients with osteoarthritis,
especially if they have a history of gastrointestinal issues?
A) Acetaminophen
2
, ✔✔B) Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
C) Glucosamine and chondroitin
D) Corticosteroids
Which of the following is the most common joint affected by osteoarthritis in older adults?
✔✔A) Knee
B) Hip
C) Shoulder
D) Elbow
A 60-year-old woman with osteoarthritis complains of knee pain that worsens with activity and
improves with rest. Which of the following findings is most consistent with osteoarthritis?
A) Warmth and redness around the joint
✔✔B) Joint stiffness after prolonged inactivity
C) Symmetrical joint involvement
D) Morning stiffness lasting longer than 30 minutes
Which of the following is a hallmark radiographic finding in osteoarthritis?
3
