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In the context of joint conditions, which statement is true?

a) Enlarged joints are characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis
b) Inflamed (hot and reddened) joints are indicative of osteoarthritis
c) Enlarged joints are associated with osteoarthritis
d) Inflamed (hot and reddened) joints are characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Enlarged joints are characteristic of osteoarthritis, while inflamed, hot, and reddened joints are indicative of rheumatoid arthritis, which is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the context of joint conditions, the true statement is d) Inflamed (hot and reddened) joints are characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory joint disease where the joint capsule and synovial membrane become inflamed, leading to swollen, stiff, and painful joints. This inflammation is a result of an autoimmune response where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue within joints, primarily affecting the synovial joints of the hands, feet, and cervical spine. On the other hand, osteoarthritis is characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and subsequent bone changes, including enlarged joints and the formation of bone spurs, rather than primarily hot, inflamed, or reddened joints.

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