A client with a swollen ankle states he twisted it. What condition is likely diagnosed?

Study for the Saunders Musculoskeletal Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each offering hints and explanations. Ace your exam with ease!

The diagnosis of a sprain is highly likely in this scenario because the client has reported twisting the ankle, which is a common mechanism of injury for sprains. A sprain involves the overstretching or tearing of ligaments, which are the connective tissues that bind bones together at a joint. When an ankle is twisted, the ligaments can be damaged, leading to swelling, pain, and limited mobility.

In this context, the typical signs of a sprain align with the client's symptoms of swelling following an ankle twist. This condition is distinctly characterized by the involvement of ligaments and commonly occurs in activities where the ankle is prone to being rolled or turned unexpectedly.

Other conditions, such as fractures, tendonitis, and strains, present differently. A fracture usually involves a break in the bone, which may present with severe pain, inability to bear weight, and visible deformity. Tendonitis refers to inflammation of a tendon, typically resulting from repetitive use, and would not typically follow an acute twisting injury in the same manner. Lastly, a strain involves muscles or tendons rather than ligaments and is caused by overstretching or tearing of these tissues, often presenting with muscle spasms and pain upon movement. Therefore, the nature of the injury

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