Which term describes bruising under the skin due to escaped blood?

Which term describes bruising under the skin due to escaped blood?

• A. Hematoma
• B. Edema
• C. Crepitus
• D. Ecchymosis

Answer: (D)

Bruising under the skin from escaped blood is ecchymosis. It refers to a discoloration that occurs when blood leaks from small vessels into surrounding tissues, producing a blue-to-purple or yellowish patch as it breaks down. A hematoma is a larger blood collection that forms a palpable lump under the skin, not just a flat bruise. Edema is swelling from fluid buildup, not blood leakage, and crepitus is a crackling sensation from air or gas in tissues. So ecchymosis specifically describes the visible bruising from leaked blood.

Bruising under the skin from escaped blood is ecchymosis. It refers to a discoloration that occurs when blood leaks from small vessels into surrounding tissues, producing a blue-to-purple or yellowish patch as it breaks down. A hematoma is a larger blood collection that forms a palpable lump under the skin, not just a flat bruise. Edema is swelling from fluid buildup, not blood leakage, and crepitus is a crackling sensation from air or gas in tissues. So ecchymosis specifically describes the visible bruising from leaked blood.