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Musculoskeletal and Integumentary System

Arthritis Practice Questions

19 free Arthritis practice questions for the NCLEX Exam. Tap an option to answer — you get instant feedback, the correct answer, and a detailed explanation for every question.

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Question 1 of 19 Medium

A nurse is assessing a client with osteoarthritis. Which symptom is most characteristic of this condition?

  1. A Symmetrical joint pain
  2. B Morning stiffness lasting over 1 hour
  3. C Pain that worsens with activity
  4. D Systemic fatigue and fever

Correct answer: Pain that worsens with activity

Osteoarthritis pain typically worsens with activity and improves with rest. It is caused by joint degeneration rather than systemic inflammation.

Question 2 of 19 Medium

Which clinical manifestation is most indicative of rheumatoid arthritis?

  1. A Asymmetrical joint involvement
  2. B Joint pain relieved by rest
  3. C Symmetrical joint swelling
  4. D Pain only during movement

Correct answer: Symmetrical joint swelling

Rheumatoid arthritis usually presents with symmetrical joint involvement due to systemic inflammation. This helps distinguish it from osteoarthritis.

Question 3 of 19 Medium

A client with rheumatoid arthritis reports morning stiffness. How long does this stiffness typically last?

  1. A Less than 15 minutes
  2. B 30 minutes
  3. C More than 1 hour
  4. D Only during exercise

Correct answer: More than 1 hour

Morning stiffness lasting more than 1 hour is a hallmark of rheumatoid arthritis. It reflects ongoing inflammation in the joints.

Question 4 of 19 Medium

Which medication is commonly prescribed to slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis?

  1. A Acetaminophen
  2. B Methotrexate
  3. C Ibuprofen
  4. D Aspirin

Correct answer: Methotrexate

Methotrexate is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) that slows disease progression. It targets the underlying inflammatory process.

Question 5 of 19 Medium

Which joint change is commonly seen in osteoarthritis?

  1. A Ulnar deviation
  2. B Heberden’s nodes
  3. C Boutonniere deformity
  4. D Swan-neck deformity

Correct answer: Heberden’s nodes

Heberden’s nodes are bony enlargements at the distal interphalangeal joints, commonly seen in osteoarthritis. They result from cartilage degeneration.

Question 6 of 19 Medium

A nurse is teaching a client with rheumatoid arthritis about joint protection. Which statement indicates understanding?

  1. A I will avoid using assistive devices
  2. B I will use larger joints for tasks
  3. C I will exercise only when in pain
  4. D I will ignore fatigue

Correct answer: I will use larger joints for tasks

Using larger joints reduces stress on smaller joints and helps prevent damage. Joint protection techniques are essential in managing rheumatoid arthritis.

Question 7 of 19 Medium

Which laboratory finding is commonly associated with rheumatoid arthritis?

  1. A Elevated rheumatoid factor
  2. B Decreased uric acid levels
  3. C Decreased white blood cell count
  4. D Low ESR

Correct answer: Elevated rheumatoid factor

Elevated rheumatoid factor is often present in rheumatoid arthritis. It indicates an autoimmune response contributing to joint inflammation.

Question 8 of 19 Medium

Which symptom is more typical of osteoarthritis than rheumatoid arthritis?

  1. A Systemic fatigue and malaise
  2. B Persistent low-grade fever
  3. C Joint stiffness after rest
  4. D Unexplained weight loss

Correct answer: Joint stiffness after rest

Osteoarthritis causes stiffness after periods of inactivity, known as gelling. It is not associated with systemic symptoms like fatigue or fever.

Question 9 of 19 Medium

Which dietary recommendation is beneficial for a client with arthritis?

  1. A Diet high in sodium content
  2. B Balanced anti-inflammatory diet
  3. C Diet that avoids all healthy fats
  4. D Diet high in refined sugar

Correct answer: Balanced anti-inflammatory diet

A balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods can help manage symptoms. Proper nutrition supports joint health and overall well-being.

Question 10 of 19 Medium

Which deformity is commonly associated with advanced rheumatoid arthritis?

  1. A Heberden’s nodes
  2. B Swan-neck deformity
  3. C Osteophyte formation
  4. D Palpable joint crepitus

Correct answer: Swan-neck deformity

Swan-neck deformity results from chronic inflammation and joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis. It affects finger positioning and function.

Question 11 of 19 Medium

Which priority nursing intervention is needed during an acute flare of rheumatoid arthritis?

  1. A Encourage vigorous physical exercise
  2. B Continuously apply cold therapy
  3. C Increase physical activity levels
  4. D Promote rest and joint protection

Correct answer: Promote rest and joint protection

Rest and joint protection reduce inflammation and pain during flares. Overexertion can worsen symptoms and joint damage.

Question 12 of 19 Medium

Which sign is most specific to osteoarthritis?

  1. A Warm, swollen joints
  2. B Symmetrical joint involvement
  3. C Crepitus during movement
  4. D Systemic inflammation

Correct answer: Crepitus during movement

Crepitus, a grating sensation during movement, is common in osteoarthritis due to cartilage breakdown. It is less common in rheumatoid arthritis.

Question 13 of 19 Medium

A client with rheumatoid arthritis is prescribed NSAIDs. What is the primary purpose of this medication?

  1. A Cure the disease
  2. B Prevent progressive joint deformity
  3. C Eliminate infection
  4. D Reduce inflammation and pain

Correct answer: Reduce inflammation and pain

NSAIDs help reduce inflammation and relieve pain but do not cure rheumatoid arthritis. They are used for symptom management.

Question 14 of 19 Medium

Which factor increases the risk of developing osteoarthritis?

  1. A Young age
  2. B Low body weight
  3. C Infection
  4. D Joint overuse

Correct answer: Joint overuse

Joint overuse and repetitive stress contribute to cartilage breakdown in osteoarthritis. Aging and obesity are also risk factors.

Question 15 of 19 Medium

Which teaching is important for a client taking methotrexate?

  1. A Take with alcohol
  2. B Stop medication abruptly
  3. C Avoid all fluids
  4. D Report infection signs

Correct answer: Report infection signs

Methotrexate suppresses the immune system, increasing infection risk. Clients should report symptoms such as fever or sore throat promptly.

Question 16 of 19 Medium

Which joint is most commonly affected in osteoarthritis?

  1. A Toes
  2. B Elbows
  3. C Shoulders
  4. D Knees

Correct answer: Knees

The knees are commonly affected due to weight-bearing stress. Osteoarthritis frequently involves joints subjected to mechanical strain.

Question 17 of 19 Medium

What is the primary cause of rheumatoid arthritis?

  1. A Autoimmune inflammation
  2. B Wear and tear of cartilage
  3. C Bacterial infection
  4. D Trauma

Correct answer: Autoimmune inflammation

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder where the body attacks joint tissues. This leads to chronic inflammation and joint damage.

Question 18 of 19 Medium

Which activity is recommended for clients with arthritis to maintain joint function?

  1. A Swimming
  2. B Running
  3. C Bed rest
  4. D Lifting

Correct answer: Swimming

Swimming is a low-impact activity that promotes joint mobility without excessive stress. It is ideal for maintaining function and reducing pain.

Question 19 of 19 Medium

Which assessment finding indicates worsening rheumatoid arthritis?

  1. A Decreased joint swelling
  2. B Improved joint flexibility
  3. C Increased joint deformity
  4. D Reduced pain

Correct answer: Increased joint deformity

Progressive joint deformity indicates worsening disease and joint damage. Early treatment aims to prevent such complications.

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