Which term best matches the following definition: A disease that causes pain, stiffness, swelling, and loss of function in joints?

Which term best matches the following definition: A disease that causes pain, stiffness, swelling, and loss of function in joints?

• A. Rheumatoid Arthritis
• B. Leukemia
• C. Hyperthyroidism
• D. Endocarditis

Answer: (A)

When joints hurt with stiffness, swelling, and a loss of function, rheumatoid arthritis fits best. This is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system inflames the lining of the joints, leading to swelling and pain, with stiffness that often lasts in the morning. Over time, persistent inflammation can reduce movement and damage joint structures if not treated. The other conditions aren’t centered on joint inflammation: leukemia affects blood and bone marrow and shows fatigue and infections; hyperthyroidism changes metabolism and causes symptoms like weight loss and rapid heartbeat; endocarditis is a heart-valve infection with fever and heart-related signs. So the term that matches the description most closely is rheumatoid arthritis.

When joints hurt with stiffness, swelling, and a loss of function, rheumatoid arthritis fits best. This is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system inflames the lining of the joints, leading to swelling and pain, with stiffness that often lasts in the morning. Over time, persistent inflammation can reduce movement and damage joint structures if not treated. The other conditions aren’t centered on joint inflammation: leukemia affects blood and bone marrow and shows fatigue and infections; hyperthyroidism changes metabolism and causes symptoms like weight loss and rapid heartbeat; endocarditis is a heart-valve infection with fever and heart-related signs. So the term that matches the description most closely is rheumatoid arthritis.