A 45-year-old woman with newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis presents with persistent swollen painful small joints of the hands for 3 months. She has...

Question

A 45-year-old woman with newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis presents with persistent swollen painful small joints of the hands for 3 months. She has not yet seen a specialist. Which is the most appropriate next step according to NICE guidance?

Accepted Answer

Refer urgently to rheumatology for assessment and disease-modifying therapy

Answer

Start long-term NSAIDs alone in primary care and review in 6 months

Answer

Order serial rheumatoid factor tests and delay referral

Answer

Treat with intermittent oral steroids only

Answer

Advise that symptoms will likely settle without treatment

uk-plab-1 MCQ (SBA): Rheumatoid arthritis

A 45-year-old woman with newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis presents with persistent swollen painful small joints of the hands for 3 months. She has not yet seen a specialist. Which is the most appropriate next step according to NICE guidance?