Which of the following sets of signs and symptoms is most likely to indicate that the patient has scleroderma?
A)Hardening and thickening of the nail beds
B)Hardening and shrinking of the skin to make it feel leathery
C)Connective tissue that becomes stiff and painful
D)Pale, irregular patches of skin
E)Infection of the hair follicles

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Scleroderma is a chronic, persistent auto-immune disease which occurs more frequently in women than men. It is characterized by hardening and shrinking of the skin that makes it feel leathery. Joints show swelling, pain and stiffness. Internal organs such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, and digestive tract can be involved in a similar process. The etiology is unknown and here is no effective treatment. The word breaks down into the suffix -derma meaning skin and the root/combining form scler/o- meaning hard. The definition is hard skin.

Which of the Following Sets of Signs and Symptoms Is