National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

For a patient with rheumatoid arthritis who is diabetic, which type of pharmacological agent would be LEAST likely to be administered?

1. Nonopioid analgesic agents

2. Corticosteroid agents

3. Biologic response modifiers

4. Disease-modifying antirheumatic agents

The correct answer is: Corticosteroid agents

Corticosteroid agents are least likely to be administered to a patient with rheumatoid arthritis who is also diabetic. This is primarily due to the significant side effects that corticosteroids can have on glucose metabolism. Corticosteroids, while effective in reducing inflammation and controlling symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, tend to elevate blood glucose levels. In patients who are diabetic, this can complicate the management of their condition, leading to hyperglycemia and increased difficulty in controlling their diabetes. Therefore, healthcare providers often reconsider the use of corticosteroids in diabetic patients or look for alternative medications that have a lesser impact on blood sugar levels. In contrast, nonopioid analgesics, biologic response modifiers, and disease-modifying antirheumatic agents can be utilized more safely in diabetic patients, as they do not typically have the same adverse effect on glucose control that corticosteroids do. Thus, the choice of pharmacological agents must consider both the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and the management of diabetes.