The joints are the most frequent sites of bleeding in hemophilia. What is the term for this bleeding?

• A. Epistaxis
• B. Melena
• C. Petechiae
• D. Hemarthrosis

Answer: (D)

The concept being tested is that in hemophilia, bleeding most often occurs into a joint space, which is called hemarthrosis. Hemarthrosis refers to blood accumulating inside a joint, leading to swelling, warmth, pain, and limited movement. It commonly involves large joints like the knees, ankles, and elbows, and repeated joint bleeds can cause long-term joint damage if not treated promptly with appropriate factor replacement and joint care. This term is distinct from epistaxis (nosebleeds), melena (blood in stool), and petechiae (tiny skin hemorrhages), which are associated with bleeding at other sites or from platelet-related issues.