Texas Court Reporter Practice Exam

What is the medical condition known as 'conjunctivitis'?

1. Swelling of the eyelids

2. Infection of the throat

3. A skin rash

4. Infection of the inner ear

The correct answer is: Swelling of the eyelids

Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is characterized by inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the thin, transparent membrane that covers the white part of the eyeball and lines the inner surface of the eyelids. This inflammation can lead to symptoms such as redness, swelling, itching, and discharge from the eye, often resulting in swollen eyelids. This condition can be caused by various factors including infections (bacterial or viral), allergens, or irritants. While swelling of the eyelids is a common symptom associated with conjunctivitis, other options do not relate directly to this condition. Infection of the throat, a skin rash, and infection of the inner ear pertain to entirely different medical issues and involve different parts of the body, thus making them irrelevant to the definition of conjunctivitis. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for identifying the correct medical terminology and conditions.