Clinical Skills

Question 1

Sclerodactyly in hands examination?

Answer 1

Sclerodactyly is a hardening of the skin of the hand that causes the fingers to curl inward and take on a claw-like shape

Question 2

Onycholysis in nails?

Answer 2

Onycholysis is when your nail separates from its nail bed

Question 3

The list of swelling you can see on hands?

Answer 3

MCPJs:swelling or ulnar deviation – RA
swelling at PIPJs – Bouchard’s nodes (RA and OA)
swelling at DIPJs – Heberden’s nodes (OA)

Question 4

Digit deformity associated with Rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer 4

Swan neck
deformity/ Boutonniere deformities /‘Z’ shaped thumb RA

Question 5

General Examination for rheumatological conditions?

Answer 5

When considering specific rheumatological conditions don’t forget to complete a general examination:
1. Eyes – episcleritis ( red eye, due to inflammation of the episcleral tissues) /scleritis in rheumatoid arthritis.
2. Rash – facial rash in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.
3. Weight loss and lymphadenopathy can be seen in inflammatory arthritis and connective tissue disorders.