Ecchymosis refers to which of the following?

• A. Death of body tissue
• B. Bluish discoloration indicating low oxygen
• C. A bruise or skin discoloration caused by bleeding under the skin
• D. Swelling due to fluid buildup

Answer: (C)

Ecchymosis is the visible sign of bleeding under the skin, basically a bruise. It happens when small blood vessels break and blood leaks into the surrounding tissue, producing a skin discoloration. Over time, the血 changes color as the blood is broken down and reabsorbed, which is why bruises often look blue-purple at first and then fade to green or yellow.

This is different from tissue death, which is necrosis; from cyanosis, which is a blue tint due to low oxygen in the blood; and from edema, which is swelling from fluid buildup. So the description of a bruise or skin discoloration caused by bleeding under the skin matches ecchymosis precisely.