American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

Reactive arthritis is typically characterized by which of the following symptoms?

1. Asymmetric monoarthritis or oligoarthritis

2. Symmetrical polyarthritis

3. Severe joint deformities

4. Persistent joint swelling

The correct answer is: Asymmetric monoarthritis or oligoarthritis

Reactive arthritis is a type of inflammatory arthritis that occurs in response to an infection, commonly in the genitourinary or gastrointestinal tract. One of its hallmark features is asymmetric involvement of the joints. It often presents as acute monoarthritis or oligoarthritis, affecting one or a few joints rather than many. The joints most frequently involved include the knees, ankles, and feet. This pattern of asymmetric joint involvement is distinct from other forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, which typically presents as symmetrical polyarthritis. In reactive arthritis, the inflammation is not usually accompanied by severe joint deformities or persistent joint swelling that might characterize chronic conditions. Understanding the typical presentation of reactive arthritis helps clinicians recognize this condition early, especially after a patient has had a recent infection. The correct answer reflects the most common presentation seen in clinical practice, making it a crucial point for examination preparation.