Patient Data Exhibits Click to indicate which findings are indicative of rheumatoid arthritis or are not applicable to that disease. Each row must have only one response option selected.

Pain increases with motion: In rheumatoid arthritis, pain typically is worse in the morning or at rest and may improve with movement. Joint pain increasing with motion is more characteristic of osteoarthritis. Small joints of the hand: RA commonly affects the small joints of the hands, such as the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints. This is a hallmark of RA. Fatigue and fever: Fatigue and fever can be systemic symptoms associated with RA due to inflammation and systemic involvement. Symmetrical involvement: RA is known for its symmetrical joint involvement, meaning it often affects the same joints on both sides of the body. Heberden nodes: Heberden nodes are bony growths that occur in osteoarthritis, not RA. RA is characterized by inflammation rather than bony nodules. Morning stiffness quickly resolves: In RA, morning stiffness typically lasts for more than an hour and may take longer to resolve. Quick resolution of morning stiffness is more characteristic of other conditions, such as osteoarthritis. Joint swelling: Joint swelling is a common symptom of RA due to inflammation in the joints.