Module 7 Rheumatology

A strain involves ___ whereas a sprain involves ___

• muscles or tendons, ligaments
• cartilage or connective tissue
• nerves or blood vessels
• bones or joints

Ms. Sarah Davis, a 42-year-old office worker, presented to her primary care physician with complaints of numbness and tingling in her right hand, particularly in the thumb, index, and middle fingers. She reported that these symptoms had been gradually worsening over the past few months. Sarah also mentioned that her hand often felt weak, and she frequently dropped small objects. She was otherwise healthy and had no significant medical history. What physical exam could be performed on this patient to confirm carpel tunnel syndrome?

• Phalen's test
• Finkelstein's test
• Allen's test
• Tinel's sign test

A tennis player is experiencing pain in their elbow. What is the underlying cause of their complaint?

• Lateral epicondylitis

• Dislocation

• Medial epicondylitis

• Golfer's elbow

A bunion involves bursitis of the ___

• patella

• olecranon

• shoulder

• metatarsophalangeal joint

Ms. Jennifer Martinez, a 35-year-old female, presented to her primary care physician with a chief complaint of severe pain in her lower back and right leg. Jennifer reported that the pain had been gradually worsening over the past several weeks. She described the pain as sharp, shooting, and radiating down her right leg. It was also associated with numbness and tingling in her right foot. She mentioned that the pain was exacerbated when sitting for extended periods or during physical activity. Jennifer had no significant medical history but reported that she worked at a desk job that required prolonged sitting. This patient's condition is commonly caused by:

• Poor posture

• Osteoarthritis
• Nerve compression

• Muscle strain

Osteoclasts can be activated by what?

• RANK

• Osteoblasts

• Osteoprotegerin

• RANKL

Osteoprotegerin does what?

• Regulates bone resorption and protects against excessive bone loss
• Inhibits bone formation and increases bone loss
• Stimulates osteoclasts

• Promotes bone resorption and causes excessive bone loss

Mrs. Emily Williams, a 65-year-old postmenopausal woman, presented to her primary care physician with a history of recurrent fractures. She had experienced a wrist fracture after a minor fall in the previous year and, more recently, sustained a vertebral compression fracture without significant trauma. Emily reported a gradual loss of height and increased back pain over the past few months. What type of study would you want to conduct on this patient?

• DXA scan

• X-ray
• Blood test
• MRI scan

What is the term for severe loss of bone mass/density?

• arthritis
• osteopenia
• osteoporosis
• rheumatoid arthritis

What are the causes for osteoporosis?

• High calcium intake, excessive sun exposure, obesity
• Age, hormonal changes, lack of calcium and vitamin D, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, certain medical conditions and medications
• Stress, lack of sleep, excessive sugar consumption
• Genetics, lack of exercise, excessive caffeine consumption