Which symptom is least likely to be associated with a sprain?

Which symptom is least likely to be associated with a sprain?

• A. Swelling
• B. Deformity
• C. Ecchymosis
• D. Guarding

Answer: (B)

A sprain is an injury to a ligament caused by overstretching or tearing. Common symptoms associated with sprains include swelling, bruising (ecchymosis), and guarding—where the affected area is held in a protective manner to avoid pain. The presence of deformity, on the other hand, is typically associated with fractures rather than sprains. Fractures can cause the bone to break or displace, resulting in a noticeable change in the shape or structure of the affected area. In contrast, while sprains cause pain and swelling, they do not usually lead to a change in the limb's apparent structure, which is why deformity is least likely to be associated with this type of injury. Understanding this distinction is crucial for EMTs and healthcare providers when assessing an injury.

A sprain is an injury to a ligament caused by overstretching or tearing. Common symptoms associated with sprains include swelling, bruising (ecchymosis), and guarding—where the affected area is held in a protective manner to avoid pain.

The presence of deformity, on the other hand, is typically associated with fractures rather than sprains. Fractures can cause the bone to break or displace, resulting in a noticeable change in the shape or structure of the affected area. In contrast, while sprains cause pain and swelling, they do not usually lead to a change in the limb's apparent structure, which is why deformity is least likely to be associated with this type of injury. Understanding this distinction is crucial for EMTs and healthcare providers when assessing an injury.