Question

You are working in a general practice medical office. Your patients ask you the following questions. In the space provided, indicate how you would respond to each question in terms the patient would understand. Use your textbook and Internet resources to develop your responses.

1. What causes gout?
2. Why do people get shorter when they get older?
3. Why do babies have “soft spots” on their heads?
4. What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?
5. What happens when someone cracks his or her knuckles?
6. What is the difference between a strain and a sprain?

Answer 1

What causes gout?

excess of uric acid in the blood causes gout.

Why do people get shorter when they get older?

when people get older, then the cartilage is worn out which is present between their joints. older people also have the osteoporosis problem which causes the spinal column to become shorter.

Why do babies have “soft spots” on their heads?

babies have soft spots on their heads because they provide flexibility to the skull which is needed to pass thri=ough the birth canal. also, it allows the baby's brain and skull to grow in the first year of life.

What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?

osteoarthritis is caused by mechanical wear and tear on the joints whereas rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder.

What is the difference between a strain and a sprain?

in sprain, bands of tissue connecting two bones are damaged whereas in strain - damage happens to the tissue or which connects muscle to bone.