Which of the following serological diagnostic tests is most ...

[melly21297]

Which of the following serological diagnostic tests is most specific for rheumatoid arthritis?
 
  A. C-reactive protein (CRP)
  B. Rheumatoid factor (RF)
  C. Anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA)
  D. Anti-citrullinated protein autoantibodies (ACPA)

Question 2

Muscle strength is assessed by:
 
  A. Having the patient move their muscle against the clinician's resistance
  B. Examining how the patient performs active range of motion
  C. Passively stretching the patient's muscle
  D. Performing passive range of motion on the patient's muscle

[Beatricemm]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
A variety of laboratory tests are used to diagnose RA, including the rheumatoid factor, which is positive in up to 80 of persons with RA but not specific to this disorder. It is often falsely positive in patients with other diseases, including lupus, sarcoidosis, and syphilis. RA is often associated with normocytic, hypochromic anemia, as well as elevations in sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein. Other laboratory tests that may be positive at diagnosis include antinuclear antibody (ANA) and anticitrullinated protein (anti-CP) autoantibodies. The anti-CP autoantibodies are more specific to RA than the rheumatoid factor. Radiological images show loss of joint space and erosion.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Muscle strength is determined by asking the patient either to resist the examiner's attempt to flex or extend a muscle group or to flex or extend the muscles against the examiner's resistance. Muscle strength is graded 0 (no evidence of strength) to 5 (complete or full resistance). Pain, contracture, and disease can all affect muscle strength.

[melly21297]

Excellent

[gcook]

Great answer, keep it coming