AFAA Personal Trainer Certification Practice Exam

What does the term contusion refer to?

1. A type of muscle strain

2. A bruise resulting from direct injury

3. Inflammation of the tendon

4. Pain caused by nerve compression

The correct answer is: A bruise resulting from direct injury

The term contusion specifically refers to a bruise that results from direct injury to the tissue, typically characterized by damaged blood vessels, which leads to bleeding beneath the skin. This injury commonly occurs due to a direct blow or impact, which causes the soft tissue to become bruised and discolored. Understanding this definition helps clarify why the other options do not apply. A muscle strain refers to the stretching or tearing of muscle fibers, which is distinct from the localized bleeding characteristic of a contusion. Inflammation of a tendon is known as tendonitis, which involves swelling and pain but is unrelated to the bruising aspect of a contusion. Pain caused by nerve compression relates to neurological issues and typically does not involve the physical trauma that defines a contusion. By recognizing these distinctions, it becomes clear that a contusion specifically denotes the condition of a bruise resulting from a direct impact.