Which sign is a red flag during rheumatoid arthritis exercise?

Which sign is a red flag during rheumatoid arthritis exercise?

• A. Acute joint swelling
• B. Moderate pain with no systemic signs
• C. Fever resolved after rest
• D. Stable exam findings

Answer: (A)

Acute joint swelling signals active inflammation in a joint, which is a red flag during rheumatoid arthritis exercise. New swelling (often with warmth and redness) means the joint is flaring, and loading it with exercise can worsen inflammation, lead to pain, limit movement, or cause longer-term joint damage. The safest response is to pause the activity, rest the joint, and seek evaluation before resuming exercise. Moderate pain with no systemic signs can occur during exertion and may be manageable with pacing and modification. Fever that has resolved after rest suggests the systemic issue has settled, not an ongoing red flag at the moment. Stable exam findings indicate no current acute issues.

Acute joint swelling signals active inflammation in a joint, which is a red flag during rheumatoid arthritis exercise. New swelling (often with warmth and redness) means the joint is flaring, and loading it with exercise can worsen inflammation, lead to pain, limit movement, or cause longer-term joint damage. The safest response is to pause the activity, rest the joint, and seek evaluation before resuming exercise.

Moderate pain with no systemic signs can occur during exertion and may be manageable with pacing and modification. Fever that has resolved after rest suggests the systemic issue has settled, not an ongoing red flag at the moment. Stable exam findings indicate no current acute issues.