EMT Basic Certification Complete Practice Exam 2026

Ecchymosis refers to the discoloration of the skin resulting from bleeding underneath, typically presenting as a bruise. This occurs when small blood vessels break and leak blood into the surrounding tissues, leading to a visible mark on the skin. The term specifically denotes that the blood pooled in the tissue is usually deoxygenated, which is why it can appear dark purple or blue in color initially and may change to green or yellow as it heals over time. This understanding of ecchymosis is crucial in trauma assessments because it can help EMTs evaluate the extent of injuries and the potential for internal bleeding.

The other options do not accurately represent what ecchymosis indicates. For instance, exposed internal organs would be associated with significant trauma and not specifically with any kind of discoloration. The presence of blood in vomit pertains to gastrointestinal bleeding and would be described using different medical terms, whereas a loss of 10% blood volume refers to a quantifiable blood loss response rather than a visible skin manifestation.