Question 1

A patient is diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) with giant cell arteritis. Which dose of prednisolone will be given initially?&#10;A) 15 mg daily&#10;B) 20 mg daily&#10;C) 30 mg daily&#10;D) 60 mg daily

Accepted Answer

For the initial treatment of PMR with giant cell arteritis, a high dose of prednisolone is required. The recommended dose is 40-60 mg daily, depending on the severity of the symptoms. Therefore, the correct answer is D, 60 mg daily.

Question 2

A patient who is taking prednisolone 20 mg daily to treat polymyalgia rheumatica reports blurred vision. What will the provider do?&#10;A) Discontinue the medication&#10;B) Increase the prednisolone dose to 60 mg daily&#10;C) Prescribe NSAIDs to treat the inflammation&#10;D) Refer to a rheumatologist immediately

Accepted Answer

Blurred vision in a patient taking prednisolone could indicate a serious side effect such as cataracts or glaucoma. Referral to a specialist, such as a rheumatologist or ophthalmologist, is necessary for further evaluation and management.

Question 3

A 60-year-old patient reports new onset of bilateral shoulder pain with morning stiffness lasting approximately 1 hour. Which will be included in initial diagnostic testing for this patient? (Select all that apply.)

A) Antinuclear antibodies
B) Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP)
C) Liver function tests (LFTs)
D) Protein electrophoresis
E) Serum calcitonin

B, C, D

Accepted Answer

B, C, D

Deck 195: Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant Cell Arteritis