Study Points

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Regarding rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the incidence
- is higher in men.
- decreases with age.
- is equal in men and women.
- is approximately 53 per 100,000 for women annually, and about half that for men.
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Which of the following statements related to comorbid conditions and arthritis is TRUE?
- There is no correlation with increased depression rates and RA.
- One-fifth of the premature deaths in patients with RA are due to increased cardiovascular disease.
- The risk of developing RA is nearly double for current smokers compared with nonsmokers.
- Studies have found similar mortality rates in patients with RA as compared with the general population.
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Which of the following is TRUE about the etiology of RA?
- It is likely an autoimmune disease.
- It is believed that infectious, genetic, and hormonal factors may be contributing factors.
- If one monozygotic twin has RA, there is a 1 in 2 chance that the other twin will develop the same disease.
- Both A and B
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In the classic symptomatic presentation of rheumatoid arthritis,
- joint pain is most often localized to one region.
- joint stiffness is most prominent in the evening.
- there is decreased muscle strength and range of motion in joints.
- physical exam most often shows a markedly elevated body temperature.
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Which laboratory finding is NOT often seen in patients with RA?
- Thrombocytosis
- Normocyctic normochromic anemia
- C-reactive protein level less than 0.5 pg/mL
- Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibody
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Which statement is TRUE regarding the differential diagnosis of RA?
- Chronic tophaceous gout rarely mimics severe nodular RA.
- Sarcoidosis is not a condition that should be considered in the differential diagnosis.
- Systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriatic arthritis, and reactive arthritis should be considered in both early and late RA.
- In later disease, self-limited viral syndromes such as hepatitis B and C, parvovirus, rubella, and Epstein-Barr virus should be considered.
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Which of the following most correctly describes the classification of RA?
- Arthritis should affect at least two joints.
- At least one of the swollen joints should be in the large joints.
- A duration of symptoms of seven weeks is scored as 1 point.
- According to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) scale, there are 10 criteria for classification.
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Regarding the classification of patients with RA,
- probable RA is clearly defined.
- a patient can be designated as having classic RA.
- a patient with Class I disease is limited in his/her ability to perform usual self-care activities.
- a patient is said to have RA if he/she scores at least 6 points in the established classification criteria.
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Which of the following best describes the treatment of RA?
- RA does not require lifelong treatment.
- RA is a curable disease that can be treated with a set pharmaceutical regimen.
- Patients with suspected RA should be referred within one month of presentation.
- The earlier a patient's rheumatoid arthritis disease is diagnosed, the earlier aggressive treatment for RA can be started, thereby delaying joint destruction.
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Which of the following is recommended as the modern standard for RA treatment?
- Treat-to-target
- Watch and wait
- Pyramid approach
- Symptom alleviation
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What factor should determine the choice of DMARD therapy?
- Disease severity
- Patient compliance
- Presence of various comorbidities
- All of the above
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Which of the following is NOT considered common DMARD therapy?
- Leflunomide
- Azathioprine
- Sulfasalazine
- Methotrexate
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Which of the following is TRUE about biologic DMARD therapy?
- Adalimumab is a surface antibody on B cells.
- Rituximab is given as an oral monthly medication.
- Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors are generally only used if non-TNF agents fail to control disease.
- TNF inhibitors block a protein in the body involved in producing inflammation.
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In regards to the use of anti-inflammatory medications for RA,
- they are adequate therapy to use alone as they alter the disease course.
- symptoms will not recur when steroids are abruptly withdrawn as therapy.
- cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors must be used with caution due to potential adverse effects.
- the maximum effective steroid dosages should be used because of the high risk of side effects, such as osteoporosis, cataracts, Cushingoid symptoms, and blood glucose level elevation.
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Which of the following is TRUE about nonpharmacologic treatments for RA?
- The most successful surgery occurs in the hands.
- Range of motion exercises are generally not useful.
- Surgeries cannot relieve joint pain, correct deformities, or improve joint function.
- Special devices may be used to apply deep heat or electrical stimulation to reduce pain and improve joint mobility.
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Which of the following complementary/alternative therapies has a proven and powerful action in reducing RA symptoms?
- Yoga
- Fish oil
- Biofeedback
- Thunder god vine extract
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Which of the following is a characteristic of RA-associated pericarditis?
- Diagnosis confirmed by angiogram
- Chest x-ray to confirm the condition
- At least four objective criteria to confirm the condition
- Peripheral edema, dyspnea/orthopnea, ascites, or dysrhythmia
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Which of the following is NOT a clinical criterion for the diagnosis of secondary Sjögren syndrome associated with RA?
- Xerostomia
- Positive biopsy
- Keratoconjunctivitis sicca
- Serologic tests positive for rheumatoid factor, anti-Ro (SSA), or anti-La (SSB) antibodies
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Regarding the pharmacologic management of RA,
- no difference has been noted between the outcomes of single and combination DMARD therapy.
- more than 75% of patients studied have shown remission with methotrexate and biologic therapy.
- severe disability and life-threatening complications have increased with current treatment modalities.
- None of the above
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With optimal treatment of RA, what percentage of patients will achieve sustained remission?
- 17% to 20%
- 30% to 40%
- 40% to 50%
- 60% to 70%
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Back to Course Home
Participation Instructions
- Review the course material online or in print.
- Complete the course evaluation.
- Review your Transcript to view and print your Certificate of Completion. Your date of completion will be the date (Pacific Time) the course was electronically submitted for credit, with no exceptions. Partial credit is not available.

Complete Your CE

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Study Points

Regarding rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the incidence

Which of the following statements related to comorbid conditions and arthritis is TRUE?

Which of the following is TRUE about the etiology of RA?

In the classic symptomatic presentation of rheumatoid arthritis,

Which laboratory finding is NOT often seen in patients with RA?

Which statement is TRUE regarding the differential diagnosis of RA?

Which of the following most correctly describes the classification of RA?

Regarding the classification of patients with RA,

Which of the following best describes the treatment of RA?

Which of the following is recommended as the modern standard for RA treatment?

What factor should determine the choice of DMARD therapy?

Which of the following is NOT considered common DMARD therapy?

Which of the following is TRUE about biologic DMARD therapy?

In regards to the use of anti-inflammatory medications for RA,

Which of the following is TRUE about nonpharmacologic treatments for RA?

Which of the following complementary/alternative therapies has a proven and powerful action in reducing RA symptoms?

Which of the following is a characteristic of RA-associated pericarditis?

Which of the following is NOT a clinical criterion for the diagnosis of secondary Sjögren syndrome associated with RA?

Regarding the pharmacologic management of RA,

With optimal treatment of RA, what percentage of patients will achieve sustained remission?