New York State Basic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) Practice Exam

What is the term for a localized soft tissue injury characterized by swelling and bruising?

1. Contusion

2. Avulsion

3. Laceration

4. Abrasion

The correct answer is: Contusion

A localized soft tissue injury that presents with swelling and bruising is referred to as a contusion. This type of injury occurs when small blood vessels are damaged, leading to bleeding beneath the skin without breaking the skin’s surface. The result is a characteristic discoloration, often described as a bruise, accompanied by swelling due to fluid accumulation in the affected area. In contrast, an avulsion involves the forcible separation of a piece of skin or tissue, which usually results in a more severe injury. A laceration refers to a jagged or irregular tear in the flesh, often caused by sharp objects, while an abrasion is a superficial injury where the skin is scraped off. These other terms describe different types of injuries and do not specifically convey the combination of swelling and bruising seen in a contusion.