Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) Practice Exam

What is a sprain?

1. A break in the bone

2. An injury to a joint involving soft tissue

3. A fracture caused by excessive force

4. A complete dislocation of a joint

The correct answer is: An injury to a joint involving soft tissue

A sprain refers specifically to an injury that occurs when ligaments, which are the bands of tough, elastic connective tissue that surround joints, are stretched or torn. This type of injury typically involves soft tissue structures around a joint, such as the ligaments that provide stability and support. When a sprain occurs, it can cause pain, swelling, and bruising in the affected area, as well as limited movement. Understanding that a sprain is primarily associated with joint injuries helps differentiate it from other types of injuries. For example, a break in the bone refers to a fracture, while extreme forces causing a fracture would not define a sprain. Similarly, a complete dislocation of a joint refers to a different type of injury altogether, involving the displacement of joint surfaces rather than just the ligaments. The focus on soft tissue injury is essential in understanding why the correct definition of a sprain is centered on the injury to ligaments rather than to bone or complete dislocation scenarios.