Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

Which type of node appears on the proximal interphalangeal joints of the hands?

1. Bouchard's node

2. Heberden's node

3. Osteoarthritic nodules

4. Tophi deposits

The correct answer is: Bouchard's node

Bouchard's nodes are bony growths that occur on the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints of the fingers. These nodes are commonly associated with osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease that leads to the breakdown of cartilage and changes in the bone structure. In osteoarthritis, the formation of these nodes is a result of bone enlargement at these joints, typically manifesting as nodular swellings. The presence of Bouchard's nodes can indicate the progression of osteoarthritis, particularly in older adults. In contrast, Heberden's nodes are located on the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints. Osteoarthritic nodules is a broader term but does not specifically refer to any one type of node in osteoarthritis, and tophi deposits are associated with gout, typically appearing in the joints and soft tissues due to the accumulation of urate crystals. Thus, the specific association of Bouchard's nodes with the proximal interphalangeal joints makes this the correct answer for the question.