Inflammatory arthritis: practice question

A Orthopaedics question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Orthopaedics · Inflammatory arthritis

Sample item

What pattern favors rheumatoid arthritis over osteoarthritis?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Symmetric small-joint swelling

Rheumatoid arthritis commonly causes symmetric inflammatory synovitis of small joints, with swelling and prolonged morning stiffness rather than purely mechanical pain.

Option by option

  • A. Single acute trauma

    A single trauma does not explain systemic inflammatory arthritis.

  • B. Pain only after running

    Pain only after running is more mechanical or overuse related.

  • C. Bony enlargement only

    Bony enlargement alone is more typical of osteoarthritis.

  • D. Symmetric small-joint swelling (correct)

    Correct: symmetric small-joint synovitis is characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Orthopaedics question

What is the answer to this Orthopaedics question?

The best answer is D, Symmetric small-joint swelling. Rheumatoid arthritis commonly causes symmetric inflammatory synovitis of small joints, with swelling and prolonged morning stiffness rather than purely mechanical pain.

Why is "Single acute trauma" not the answer?

A single trauma does not explain systemic inflammatory arthritis.

Why is "Pain only after running" not the answer?

Pain only after running is more mechanical or overuse related.

Why is "Bony enlargement only" not the answer?

Bony enlargement alone is more typical of osteoarthritis.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Inflammatory arthritis in Orthopaedics. The correct option holds because: Correct: symmetric small-joint synovitis is characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Inflammatory arthritis?

Pair each fracture with its classic complication and nerve injured. Then use the flashcards and the other Orthopaedics questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.