After falling down the stairs, a patient comes to the Emergency Department with multiple purplish patches on the skin caused by leaking blood vessels. The physician would document that the patient has multiple:
A) abrasions.
B) contusions.
C) petechiae.
D) lesions.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Contusions are bruises caused by minor bleeding under the skin due to damage to blood vessels. The purplish patches on the skin described in the scenario are indicative of contusions. Abrasions are superficial injuries to the skin, petechiae are pinpoint-sized red or purple spots caused by bleeding under the skin that result from blood-clotting disorders, certain medications, or infections, and lesions are a broad term that refers to any abnormal tissue changes or growths.

After Falling Down the Stairs, a Patient Comes to the Emergency