Which stage of inflammation is characterized by swelling, pain, and loss of function?

The correct choice is exudation, which is recognized as a critical stage of inflammation. During this phase, the body's immune response is activated, resulting in the classic signs of inflammation, which include swelling, pain, and loss of function.

In the exudation stage, blood vessels become more permeable, allowing fluid, proteins, and white blood cells to enter the affected tissues. This influx of substances leads to swelling (edema), as the increased volume of fluid in the tissue spaces causes expansion. The accumulation of inflammatory mediators also contributes to pain as they stimulate nerve endings. Additionally, the combination of swelling and pain can significantly impair the function of the affected area, leading to a loss of function.

Understanding exudation helps clarify the acute inflammatory process and the role it plays in healing and defense against injury or infection. Each of the other options, such as resolution, suppuration, and chronic inflammation, represent different aspects of the inflammatory process, focusing on outcomes or prolonged reactions rather than the immediate physiological changes characterized by exudation.