Orthopaedic Nurses Certification Board (ONCB) Metabolic/Inflammatory/Tumors Practice Exam

What condition is characterized by transitory joint pain, weakness, and mood swings in a 28-year-old woman?

1. Osteomalacia

2. Systemic lupus erythematosus

3. Polymyalgia rheumatica

4. Systemic onset rheumatoid arthritis

The correct answer is: Systemic lupus erythematosus

The condition characterized by transitory joint pain, weakness, and mood swings in a 28-year-old woman is systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). SLE is an autoimmune disease that can present with a variety of symptoms, including joint pain, weakness due to systemic effects, and psychiatric manifestations such as mood swings. In young women, particularly those in the reproductive age group, SLE is more prevalent and often accompanied by fluctuating symptoms, which may include periods of exacerbation and remission. In systemic lupus erythematosus, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's tissues, leading to inflammation in various organs and systems, including the joints. The mood swings can be attributed to both the psychological impact of managing a chronic illness and the biological effects of the disease and inflammation on the central nervous system. Other options, while they present with some overlapping symptoms, do not encapsulate the full presentation as effectively for this age group. For example, osteomalacia primarily involves weakened bones due to vitamin D deficiency and does not typically present with mood swings or prominent joint pain like that seen in SLE. Polymyalgia rheumatica generally affects older adults and is characterized by stiffness and aching, not typically associated with mood variations in the same way