Which term refers to the condition of being swollen or distended?

• A. Edema
• B. Turgor
• C. Hypotonic
• D. Infiltration

Answer: (B)

The term that refers to the condition of being swollen or distended is "edema." Edema occurs when excess fluid collects in the body's tissues, causing swelling, often in the extremities such as legs, ankles, or feet. This condition can be due to various factors including injury, inflammation, or underlying health issues affecting fluid balance.

"Turgor," while related to the firmness of cells and tissues due to fluid pressure, does not specifically denote swelling or distention in the same context as edema. "Hypotonic" describes a solution with a lower concentration of solutes compared to another, often used in the context of cell osmosis and does not directly correlate with swelling or distention. "Infiltration" usually refers to the accumulation of substances in tissues or the movement of fluids in an unwanted manner, such as when intravenous fluids leak into surrounding tissues, but it doesn't fundamentally define a state of swelling or distention.

Understanding these distinctions helps clarify that edema specifically describes the condition characterized by swelling due to fluid accumulation, making it the correct choice in this context.