23 . Rheumatoid arthritis is usually symmetric, which means that the là. big toes are affected first. b. same joints on both sides of the body are affected. C. joints on one side of the body are affected. d. only one system is affected at a time.

## Step 1<br />Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that primarily affects joints. It is characterized by the body's immune system attacking its own tissues, leading to inflammation and joint damage.<br />## Step 2<br />The term "symmetric" in the context of rheumatoid arthritis refers to the pattern of joint involvement. In symmetric joint involvement, the same joints on both sides of the body are affected.<br />## Step 3<br />For example, if the left knee is affected, the right knee is also likely to be affected. This is in contrast to asymmetric joint involvement, where only one side of the body is affected.<br />## Step 4<br />Therefore, the correct answer is option b, which states that the same joints on both sides of the body are affected.