A 54-year-old woman with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis has ongoing joint pain and swelling despite maximum tolerated methotrexate. She has no sign...

Question

A 54-year-old woman with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis has ongoing joint pain and swelling despite maximum tolerated methotrexate. She has no significant comorbidities. According to standard management algorithms, what is the most appropriate next step?

Accepted Answer

Add a biologic DMARD such as a TNF inhibitor

Answer

Start long-term high-dose oral corticosteroids alone

Answer

Switch to NSAIDs only and stop methotrexate

Answer

Add paracetamol only

Answer

No change; continue methotrexate monotherapy

au-racp MCQ (SBA): Rheumatoid arthritis escalation

A 54-year-old woman with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis has ongoing joint pain and swelling despite maximum tolerated methotrexate. She has no significant comorbidities. According to standard management algorithms, what is the most appropriate next step?