What is the primary characteristic of a contusion?

What is the primary characteristic of a contusion?

• A. It involves the separation of skin layers.
• B. It causes swelling and bruising.
• C. It is a type of open wound.
• D. It leads to infection risk.

Answer: (B)

The primary characteristic of a contusion is that it causes swelling and bruising. A contusion, commonly referred to as a bruise, occurs when small blood vessels are damaged due to an impact or trauma, leading to blood leaking into the surrounding tissues. This results in the typical discoloration and swelling associated with bruises. The affected area can become tender and painful, and the discoloration changes color as the body metabolizes the blood. In contrast, the other options refer to characteristics of different types of injuries. The separation of skin layers pertains more to lacerations or abrasions, which involve breaks in the skin integrity. A contusion does not create an open wound; instead, the skin remains intact. Furthermore, while contusions can become painful or lead to complications like infection if there is significant skin damage or if a large area is affected, they are generally closed injuries and do not inherently carry an increased risk of infection like an open wound would. This emphasizes the significance of the swelling and bruising as defining aspects of a contusion.

The primary characteristic of a contusion is that it causes swelling and bruising. A contusion, commonly referred to as a bruise, occurs when small blood vessels are damaged due to an impact or trauma, leading to blood leaking into the surrounding tissues. This results in the typical discoloration and swelling associated with bruises. The affected area can become tender and painful, and the discoloration changes color as the body metabolizes the blood.

In contrast, the other options refer to characteristics of different types of injuries. The separation of skin layers pertains more to lacerations or abrasions, which involve breaks in the skin integrity. A contusion does not create an open wound; instead, the skin remains intact. Furthermore, while contusions can become painful or lead to complications like infection if there is significant skin damage or if a large area is affected, they are generally closed injuries and do not inherently carry an increased risk of infection like an open wound would. This emphasizes the significance of the swelling and bruising as defining aspects of a contusion.