HESI (Health and Environmental Sciences Institute) Health Assessment Practice Test

Osteoarthritis is characterized by a variety of symptoms, primarily focused around the joints, and is often identified by certain patterns of joint involvement. One of the hallmark features of osteoarthritis is that it typically affects joints asymmetrically. This means that one joint may be more severely impacted than its counterpart on the opposite side of the body.

In contrast, symmetric joint involvement is more commonly associated with inflammatory joint diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. In rheumatoid arthritis, multiple joints across both sides of the body tend to exhibit similar symptoms and levels of severity.

Thus, the correct answer indicates that symmetric joint involvement does not align with the typical presentation of osteoarthritis. This distinction underscores the importance of understanding the differences in patterns of joint involvement amongst various types of arthritis, aiding in more accurate diagnoses and treatment plans for patients.