ABIM RHEUMATOLOGY EXAM 2025/2026 WITH
100% ACCURATE SOLUTIONS
1. What does a negative anti-double-stranded DNA test indicate in the context
of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)?
SLE diagnosis confirmed
Possible SLE
No SLE
Presence of SLE
2. Describe the key clinical features that are indicative of polyarteritis nodosa
and how they relate to its diagnosis.
Key clinical features of polyarteritis nodosa include fever,
arthralgia, myalgia, skin findings, abdominal pain, weight loss, and
peripheral nerve manifestations.
Polyarteritis nodosa is diagnosed solely through imaging studies.
Polyarteritis nodosa primarily affects the joints and causes swelling.
Polyarteritis nodosa is characterized by chronic fatigue and muscle
weakness.
3. What condition is characterized by low back pain and stiffness that
improves with activity?
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Gout
Rheumatoid arthritis
Ankylosing spondylitis
,4. What are the four classes of patients with gout that should receive urate-
lowering therapy?
(1) ≥stage 2 chronic kidney disease; (2) ≥2 acute attacks per year;
(3) one or more tophi; or (4) uric acid nephrolithiasis.
(1) ≥stage 2 chronic kidney disease; (2) <2 acute attacks per year; (3)
no tophi; or (4) no uric acid nephrolithiasis.
(1) No chronic kidney disease; (2) ≥2 acute attacks per year; (3) one
or more tophi; or (4) uric acid nephrolithiasis.
(1) ≥stage 1 chronic kidney disease; (2) <2 acute attacks per year; (3)
no tophi; or (4) uric acid nephrolithiasis.
5. Describe the significance of Heberden nodes in the context of
osteoarthritis.
Heberden nodes are associated with systemic lupus erythematosus.
Heberden nodes are indicative of osteoarthritis and represent
bony enlargements at the DIP joints.
Heberden nodes are a sign of rheumatoid arthritis affecting the PIP
joints.
Heberden nodes are a type of inflammatory nodule found in gout.
6. What are the two primary treatments recommended for managing chronic
gout with evidence of active disease?
Ibuprofen and prednisone
Methotrexate and sulfasalazine
Colchicine and allopurinol
Aspirin and naproxen
, 7. Describe the criteria that indicate a patient with gout should start urate-
lowering therapy.
Patients with gout should start urate-lowering therapy only if they
have chronic kidney disease stage 1 or lower.
Patients with gout should start urate-lowering therapy if they have
chronic kidney disease stage 2 and experience one acute attack per
year.
Patients with gout should start urate-lowering therapy if they have no
acute attacks and no tophi.
Patients with gout should start urate-lowering therapy if they have
chronic kidney disease stage 2 or higher, experience two or more
acute attacks per year, have one or more tophi, or have uric acid
nephrolithiasis.
8. If a patient with Sjögren syndrome develops symptoms suggestive of
lymphoma, what would be the most appropriate next step in management?
Monitor the patient without intervention.
Refer the patient for physical therapy.
Conduct a thorough evaluation for lymphoma, including imaging
and biopsy.
Increase the dosage of Sjögren syndrome medication.
9. A 36 y/o African American woman presents to the ED with erythema
nodosum, bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy, polyarthralgias, and a fever. You
note in her chart that she has an acute form of sarcoidosis. You reassure the
patient that this diagnosis is associated with a good prognosis and
spontaneous remission. What is your diagnosis?
COPD syndrome
100% ACCURATE SOLUTIONS
1. What does a negative anti-double-stranded DNA test indicate in the context
of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)?
SLE diagnosis confirmed
Possible SLE
No SLE
Presence of SLE
2. Describe the key clinical features that are indicative of polyarteritis nodosa
and how they relate to its diagnosis.
Key clinical features of polyarteritis nodosa include fever,
arthralgia, myalgia, skin findings, abdominal pain, weight loss, and
peripheral nerve manifestations.
Polyarteritis nodosa is diagnosed solely through imaging studies.
Polyarteritis nodosa primarily affects the joints and causes swelling.
Polyarteritis nodosa is characterized by chronic fatigue and muscle
weakness.
3. What condition is characterized by low back pain and stiffness that
improves with activity?
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Gout
Rheumatoid arthritis
Ankylosing spondylitis
,4. What are the four classes of patients with gout that should receive urate-
lowering therapy?
(1) ≥stage 2 chronic kidney disease; (2) ≥2 acute attacks per year;
(3) one or more tophi; or (4) uric acid nephrolithiasis.
(1) ≥stage 2 chronic kidney disease; (2) <2 acute attacks per year; (3)
no tophi; or (4) no uric acid nephrolithiasis.
(1) No chronic kidney disease; (2) ≥2 acute attacks per year; (3) one
or more tophi; or (4) uric acid nephrolithiasis.
(1) ≥stage 1 chronic kidney disease; (2) <2 acute attacks per year; (3)
no tophi; or (4) uric acid nephrolithiasis.
5. Describe the significance of Heberden nodes in the context of
osteoarthritis.
Heberden nodes are associated with systemic lupus erythematosus.
Heberden nodes are indicative of osteoarthritis and represent
bony enlargements at the DIP joints.
Heberden nodes are a sign of rheumatoid arthritis affecting the PIP
joints.
Heberden nodes are a type of inflammatory nodule found in gout.
6. What are the two primary treatments recommended for managing chronic
gout with evidence of active disease?
Ibuprofen and prednisone
Methotrexate and sulfasalazine
Colchicine and allopurinol
Aspirin and naproxen
, 7. Describe the criteria that indicate a patient with gout should start urate-
lowering therapy.
Patients with gout should start urate-lowering therapy only if they
have chronic kidney disease stage 1 or lower.
Patients with gout should start urate-lowering therapy if they have
chronic kidney disease stage 2 and experience one acute attack per
year.
Patients with gout should start urate-lowering therapy if they have no
acute attacks and no tophi.
Patients with gout should start urate-lowering therapy if they have
chronic kidney disease stage 2 or higher, experience two or more
acute attacks per year, have one or more tophi, or have uric acid
nephrolithiasis.
8. If a patient with Sjögren syndrome develops symptoms suggestive of
lymphoma, what would be the most appropriate next step in management?
Monitor the patient without intervention.
Refer the patient for physical therapy.
Conduct a thorough evaluation for lymphoma, including imaging
and biopsy.
Increase the dosage of Sjögren syndrome medication.
9. A 36 y/o African American woman presents to the ED with erythema
nodosum, bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy, polyarthralgias, and a fever. You
note in her chart that she has an acute form of sarcoidosis. You reassure the
patient that this diagnosis is associated with a good prognosis and
spontaneous remission. What is your diagnosis?
COPD syndrome
