Certified Medical Assistant Practice Exam

The correct choice is contusion, as it specifically refers to a type of injury that results in localized bleeding under the skin, typically caused by trauma. A bruise appears when tiny blood vessels (capillaries) break and leak blood into the surrounding tissues, leading to discoloration and swelling. Contusions can vary in severity, depending on the amount of bleeding and the depth of the injury.

While a hematoma also involves bleeding, it usually refers to a more significant collection of blood that accumulates in a specific area and is often larger and more noticeable than a simple bruise. Edema, on the other hand, denotes swelling caused by fluid accumulation in tissues, which differs fundamentally from the bleeding associated with bruising. An abscess is a localized collection of pus that is usually caused by an infection, making it unrelated to bruising as well. Therefore, the term contusion accurately describes what is commonly recognized as a bruise.