Which statement about hemophilia care is true?

• A. Hemophilia is commonly a deficiency of factor X.
• B. Hemarthrosis into the joint cavities of a child with hemophilia is a clinical manifestation.
• C. Hemophilia A and B are inherited as X-linked recessive traits.
• D. Males are carriers and do not have the disease.

Answer: (B)

Hemarthrosis is a hallmark clinical finding in hemophilia care. When the body lacks factor VIII (hemophilia A) or factor IX (hemophilia B), bleeding into joints can occur with minimal trauma or even spontaneously. The blood accumulating in joint cavities causes swelling, warmth, pain, and reduced range of motion, especially in weight-bearing joints like the knees, ankles, and elbows. This joint bleed is a classic sign clinicians look for in a child with a bleeding tendency and helps guide urgent management, such as prompt factor replacement to stop the bleed and protect joint function.

The statement about a deficiency of factor X is not correct for classic hemophilia, which involves VIII or IX. While hemophilia A and B are X-linked recessive, meaning affected males typically show disease and females are often carriers, the key clinical care point remains the joint bleeding tendency. The idea that males are carriers and do not have the disease is inaccurate.