Bruising over several areas of the body.

Pain in weight bearing joints with use.

Low grade fever and cough.

Asymmetrical swelling of hand joints.

Joints which are warm, red, swollen, and tender.

Asymmetrical swelling is not typical of RA, which is characterized by symmetrical involvement of the small joints. Asymmetry suggests localized trauma or degenerative changes rather than the systemic inflammatory process that defines rheumatoid arthritis, and it does not typically indicate an acute systemic flare-up.

Warm, red, swollen, and tender joints are expected findings during a rheumatoid arthritis flare and are consistent with the client’s reported concerns about the weather. While uncomfortable, these symptoms reflect the disease's natural progression and are less critical than the systemic signs of medication toxicity or infection.