College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) Practice Exam

What is a critical examination step for determining treatment for hand osteoarthritis?

1. Assessing wrist grip strength

2. Identifying which joints are inflamed

3. Documentation of pain levels during rest

4. Asking about pain during specific activities

The correct answer is: Asking about pain during specific activities

Determining the treatment for hand osteoarthritis involves understanding how the condition impacts a patient’s daily activities and quality of life. Asking about pain during specific activities helps to identify which movements exacerbate symptoms and how the osteoarthritis limits function. This information is crucial as it guides the development of an individualized treatment plan tailored to address specific challenges faced by the patient. Understanding the relationship between activities and pain can inform choices regarding exercise, modifications in daily tasks, and the type of therapy that may be beneficial. While the other options provide useful information, they do not directly connect the patient's experience of pain with the activities that may need focus during treatment. For instance, assessing wrist grip strength may inform about overall function but does not specifically address the pain experience. Identifying which joints are inflamed is important for diagnosis and may help in managing inflammation, but it doesn’t necessarily guide the treatment related to the functional limitations caused by pain. Documentation of pain levels during rest provides some insight but does not capture the dynamic nature of how osteoarthritis affects the patient during their activities. Thus, asking about pain during specific activities is the most critical step in determining an appropriate treatment strategy.