Question

A patient goes to the clinic complaining of joint pain. Physical exam shows swelling of the knee with redness on the skin. Physician aspirates synovial fluid, and the following substance is found under the microscope. What is responsible for the patient's joint problem?

a) Uric acid crystals
b) Calcium pyrophosphate crystals
c) Cholesterol crystals
d) Monosodium urate crystals

Answer 1

The patient's joint problem is most likely due to monosodium urate crystals, which are responsible for gout, a form of arthritis characterized by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient's joint problem is most likely due to d) Monosodium urate crystals. Monosodium urate crystals are responsible for a condition called gout, which is a form of arthritis characterized by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints. This can cause swelling, redness, and pain, as well as other symptoms.