What condition describes inflammation of the joints?

The correct choice for describing inflammation of the joints is arthritis. Arthritis is a condition that encompasses various inflammatory joint diseases, leading to pain, swelling, stiffness, and decreased mobility in the affected areas. There are numerous types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, each characterized by inflammation and degradation of joint tissue. Understanding arthritis is crucial in the healthcare field, particularly for STNAs, as it can significantly impact a patient's quality of life and functional abilities, necessitating appropriate care and support.

The other conditions mentioned, such as osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, and myopathy, relate to different issues—osteoporosis involves weakening of the bones, fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread pain and fatigue without specific joint inflammation, and myopathy refers to muscle disease affecting muscle fibers. Thus, they do not accurately describe joint inflammation as arthritis does.