What is hematoma?

What is hematoma?

• A. Internal hemorrhage, can lead to tissue ischemia from pressure
• B. External hemorrhage, visible bruise
• C. A fluid-filled blister
• D. Local infection

Answer: (C)

A hematoma is a localized collection of blood outside the blood vessels, usually resulting from rupture of a vessel after injury. The blood pools in tissue spaces and may clot, forming a swollen, sometimes firm and tender area. If the collection is large, it can press on surrounding tissues and nerves, potentially causing pain or reduced circulation. This differs from a fluid-filled blister, which contains serous fluid within the epidermal layer, and from infection, which involves pathogens and typically shows redness, warmth, swelling, and sometimes pus. A hematoma is about blood pooling in tissue, not a surface wound with active bleeding or an infected area.

A hematoma is a localized collection of blood outside the blood vessels, usually resulting from rupture of a vessel after injury. The blood pools in tissue spaces and may clot, forming a swollen, sometimes firm and tender area. If the collection is large, it can press on surrounding tissues and nerves, potentially causing pain or reduced circulation.

This differs from a fluid-filled blister, which contains serous fluid within the epidermal layer, and from infection, which involves pathogens and typically shows redness, warmth, swelling, and sometimes pus. A hematoma is about blood pooling in tissue, not a surface wound with active bleeding or an infected area.