Rheumatoid arthritis MCQs

By: Prof. Dr. Fazal Rehman Shamil | Last updated: September 28, 2024

What is rheumatoid arthritis?
A) A degenerative joint disease
B) An autoimmune inflammatory disease
C) A type of infection
D) A metabolic disorder
Answer: B) An autoimmune inflammatory disease

Which joints are most commonly affected by rheumatoid arthritis?
A) Weight-bearing joints only
B) Small joints of the hands and feet
C) Spine and pelvis
D) Large joints only
Answer: B) Small joints of the hands and feet

What is a primary symptom of rheumatoid arthritis?
A) Nausea
B) Joint stiffness, especially in the morning
C) Fatigue without any physical symptoms
D) Hair loss
Answer: B) Joint stiffness, especially in the morning

At what age is rheumatoid arthritis most commonly diagnosed?
A) Childhood
B) Adolescence
C) Middle age (30-50 years)
D) Old age
Answer: C) Middle age (30-50 years)

Which of the following is a known risk factor for developing rheumatoid arthritis?
A) High physical activity
B) Family history of autoimmune diseases
C) Low-fat diet
D) Advanced age only
Answer: B) Family history of autoimmune diseases

What is the primary cause of rheumatoid arthritis?
A) Bacterial infection
B) Genetic and environmental factors leading to autoimmunity
C) High sugar diet
D) Poor physical fitness
Answer: B) Genetic and environmental factors leading to autoimmunity

Which blood test is commonly used to help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis?
A) Complete blood count (CBC)
B) Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
C) Rheumatoid factor (RF)
D) Liver function tests
Answer: C) Rheumatoid factor (RF)

What is a hallmark characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis?
A) Asymmetrical joint involvement
B) Bilateral and symmetrical joint involvement
C) Absence of inflammation
D) Pain only during physical activity
Answer: B) Bilateral and symmetrical joint involvement

What is the primary treatment goal for rheumatoid arthritis?
A) To completely eliminate the disease
B) To manage symptoms and prevent joint damage
C) To encourage complete inactivity
D) To avoid any medications
Answer: B) To manage symptoms and prevent joint damage

Which class of medications is commonly used as the first line of treatment for rheumatoid arthritis?
A) Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
B) Antidepressants
C) Corticosteroids
D) Antivirals
Answer: A) Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

What is the role of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in rheumatoid arthritis?
A) They only relieve pain
B) They slow disease progression and prevent joint damage
C) They are used for short-term management only
D) They are not effective
Answer: B) They slow disease progression and prevent joint damage

Which of the following can be a side effect of long-term corticosteroid use in rheumatoid arthritis?
A) Increased energy
B) Weight gain and osteoporosis
C) Improved joint function
D) Decreased appetite
Answer: B) Weight gain and osteoporosis

What lifestyle modification can help manage symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?
A) Complete bed rest
B) Regular low-impact exercise
C) High-impact sports
D) Avoiding all physical activity
Answer: B) Regular low-impact exercise

What is a common complication of rheumatoid arthritis?
A) Osteoporosis
B) Muscle hypertrophy
C) Hair growth
D) Enhanced flexibility
Answer: A) Osteoporosis

Which of the following conditions may coexist with rheumatoid arthritis?
A) Osteoarthritis
B) Diabetes
C) Sjögren’s syndrome
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above

What is a common feature of rheumatoid arthritis flares?
A) Joint pain and increased inflammation
B) Complete absence of symptoms
C) Sudden muscle growth
D) No joint involvement
Answer: A) Joint pain and increased inflammation

What imaging technique is often used to assess joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis?
A) MRI
B) Ultrasound
C) X-ray
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above

What role does physical therapy play in the management of rheumatoid arthritis?
A) It has no benefit
B) It helps improve joint function and reduce stiffness
C) It is only for athletes
D) It worsens symptoms
Answer: B) It helps improve joint function and reduce stiffness

What is the typical pattern of joint involvement in rheumatoid arthritis?
A) One joint at a time
B) Symmetrical involvement of multiple joints
C) Random joint involvement
D) Only upper body joints
Answer: B) Symmetrical involvement of multiple joints

Which dietary component may help reduce inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis?
A) Omega-3 fatty acids
B) Saturated fats
C) Refined carbohydrates
D) High sugar intake
Answer: A) Omega-3 fatty acids

How does rheumatoid arthritis typically affect quality of life?
A) It has no impact
B) It can significantly limit daily activities and overall well-being
C) It enhances daily performance
D) It only affects physical health
Answer: B) It can significantly limit daily activities and overall well-being

What is the significance of anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs) in rheumatoid arthritis?
A) They are not relevant
B) They are a specific marker for rheumatoid arthritis
C) They indicate bone fractures
D) They are associated with allergies
Answer: B) They are a specific marker for rheumatoid arthritis

What is a common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis besides joint pain?
A) Fever
B) Increased energy
C) Muscle growth
D) Skin rashes
Answer: A) Fever

What type of joint deformity is commonly associated with rheumatoid arthritis?
A) Heberden’s nodes
B) Ulnar deviation of the fingers
C) Valgus deformity
D) Subluxation of the patella
Answer: B) Ulnar deviation of the fingers

What is the primary purpose of occupational therapy for patients with rheumatoid arthritis?
A) To promote complete inactivity
B) To help individuals perform daily tasks despite their condition
C) To cure the disease
D) To provide surgical interventions
Answer: B) To help individuals perform daily tasks despite their condition

What is a possible result of chronic inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis?
A) Increased bone density
B) Joint erosion and deformity
C) Muscle hypertrophy
D) Decreased joint pain
Answer: B) Joint erosion and deformity

How can stress management techniques benefit individuals with rheumatoid arthritis?
A) They have no effect
B) They can help reduce flare-ups and improve well-being
C) They worsen symptoms
D) They are only beneficial for mental health
Answer: B) They can help reduce flare-ups and improve well-being

What role does sleep play in managing rheumatoid arthritis?
A) It has no impact
B) Good sleep can help reduce fatigue and improve pain management
C) Sleep only affects mental health
D) More sleep leads to worse symptoms
Answer: B) Good sleep can help reduce fatigue and improve pain management

Which of the following is a common non-pharmacological treatment for rheumatoid arthritis?
A) Acupuncture
B) Bed rest
C) Surgical intervention
D) Chemotherapy
Answer: A) Acupuncture

What is the importance of regular follow-up appointments for individuals with rheumatoid arthritis?
A) They are unnecessary
B) To monitor disease progression and adjust treatment
C) They only focus on surgery
D) To evaluate unrelated conditions
Answer: B) To monitor disease progression and adjust treatment

What is a common psychological impact of rheumatoid arthritis?
A) Increased happiness
B) Depression and anxiety
C) Enhanced self-esteem
D) No psychological impact
Answer: B) Depression and anxiety

What type of specialist is typically involved in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis?
A) General practitioner
B) Rheumatologist
C) Cardiologist
D) Endocrinologist
Answer: B) Rheumatologist

What is the main goal of rheumatoid arthritis research?
A) To develop better pain management techniques
B) To find a definitive cure
C) To improve understanding of the disease and its treatment
D) To eliminate all medications
Answer: C) To improve understanding of the disease and its treatment

Which of the following lifestyle changes can help manage rheumatoid arthritis symptoms?
A) Ignoring pain
B) Regular physical activity and balanced nutrition
C) Avoiding all forms of exercise
D) Eating processed foods
Answer: B) Regular physical activity and balanced nutrition