What characterizes a hematoma?

A hematoma is characterized as a closed injury that results in swelling and discoloration. This condition occurs when blood vessels are damaged, causing blood to leak out into the surrounding tissues. As the pooled blood accumulates, it creates a small pocket or mass, which leads to both swelling and a change in color of the skin over the affected area. This is typically visible as a bruise.

The other options reference different types of injuries. A tear in the skin indicates an open wound, while a bone injury pertains specifically to fractures or bone damage. An open wound with bleeding is distinctly different from a hematoma, as hematomas do not involve a breach of the skin and associated external bleeding. These distinctions are essential for understanding the nature of various injuries and their appropriate responses in medical practice.