Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

Which of the following conditions is not associated with Heberden's nodes?

1. A) Osteoarthritis

2. B) Rheumatoid arthritis

3. C) Degenerative joint disease

4. D) Psoriatic arthritis

The correct answer is: B) Rheumatoid arthritis

Heberden's nodes are bony growths that develop in the distal interphalangeal joints of the fingers, primarily associated with osteoarthritis. This type of arthritis is characterized by wear and tear of cartilage, leading to the formation of these nodes due to the underlying joint changes. Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is an inflammatory condition that primarily affects the proximal interphalangeal joints and the metacarpophalangeal joints rather than the distal joints, which is why it is not typically associated with Heberden's nodes. Instead, it tends to produce symptoms like swelling and pain in joints due to inflammation. When considering degenerative joint disease and psoriatic arthritis, while they may present with various joint manifestations, Heberden's nodes are specifically linked to osteoarthritis and not commonly seen in inflammatory types like rheumatoid arthritis. This distinction is crucial for understanding the different pathophysiological processes involved in these conditions and their clinical presentations.