Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

Which condition does NOT typically get improved through glucosamine sulfate treatment?

1. Osteoarthritis

2. Rheumatoid arthritis

3. Joint pain

4. Cartilage repair

The correct answer is: Rheumatoid arthritis

Glucosamine sulfate is commonly used as a dietary supplement to alleviate joint pain and improve conditions primarily related to osteoarthritis. Its effects are particularly noted in promoting cartilage health, where it may help support cartilage repair and alleviate symptoms associated with osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is an autoimmune condition characterized by inflammation of the joints, which glucosamine sulfate does not typically improve. The treatment for rheumatoid arthritis usually involves different classes of medications, such as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), due to the nature of the disease being driven by immune system dysfunction rather than wear and tear on cartilage, which is where glucosamine sulfate may offer benefits. Hence, while glucosamine sulfate is beneficial for osteoarthritis and related joint issues, it does not have established efficacy for improving rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.