Which of the following is a common sign of an acute injury?

The common sign of an acute injury is characterized by an immediate response, often presenting as swelling or immediate pain. Acute injuries typically occur suddenly due to trauma or excessive force applied to a body part, such as a sprain, strain, fracture, or contusion. This immediate pain is a direct result of tissue damage, and swelling follows as the body’s response to inflammation and increased blood flow to the injured area.

In distinguishing acute injuries from other types, it is important to note that gradual pain increase indicates a chronic issue, while signs like redness that appears days later suggest a delayed response often associated with conditions like infections or overuse injuries. Weakness without noticeable pain can be indicative of various conditions, including nerve issues or muscle atrophy, but does not typically signal an acute injury. Thus, immediate pain and swelling are hallmark signs that signal an acute injury effectively.