Physician Assistant Physician Assistant Musculoskeletal System Disorders

Question 1

A 55-year-old woman presents with bilateral knee pain worse with activity and relieved by rest. X-ray shows joint space narrowing and osteophytes. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Osteoarthritis

Answer

Osteoarthritis is characterized by joint space narrowing, osteophytes, and pain worsened by activity, most commonly affecting weight-bearing joints.

Question 2

Which laboratory finding is most characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis?

Accepted Answer

Positive rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP antibodies

Answer

Rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP (anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide) antibodies are the hallmark serologic markers of rheumatoid arthritis.

Question 3

A 30-year-old male presents with acute monoarticular arthritis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, erythema, and severe pain. Synovial fluid analysis shows negatively birefringent needle-shaped crystals. What is the treatment of choice for an acute attack?

Accepted Answer

Colchicine or NSAIDs

Answer

Colchicine and NSAIDs are first-line treatments for acute gout attacks; allopurinol is used for long-term urate-lowering therapy, not acute episodes.

Question 4

Which finding on physical examination is most consistent with a complete rotator cuff tear?

Accepted Answer

Inability to initiate abduction with preserved passive range of motion

Answer

A complete rotator cuff tear results in inability to initiate active abduction while passive range of motion remains intact due to loss of musculotendinous continuity.

Question 5

A patient with low back pain radiating down the posterior leg to the foot has a positive straight leg raise at 45 degrees. Which nerve root is most likely involved?

Accepted Answer

L5 or S1

Answer

A positive straight leg raise combined with posterior leg pain radiating to the foot is classic for L5 or S1 nerve root compression, typically from a herniated disc.

Physician Assistant Practice Test

Physician Assistant Practice Test

Physician Assistant Physician Assistant Musculoskeletal System Disorders