Which injury involves a tear of a ligament?

A sprain is an injury that specifically involves the tearing or stretching of ligaments, which are the fibrous tissues that connect bones to other bones at a joint. This injury often occurs when the joint is forced beyond its normal range of motion, leading to pain, swelling, and functional impairment in the affected area. Understanding this distinction is crucial for nursing practice, as recognizing the signs and symptoms of a sprain can guide appropriate assessment and management strategies.

Strains, on the other hand, involve the muscles or tendons rather than ligaments. Atelectasis refers to the collapse of a lung or part of a lung, often related to respiratory complications, and pneumothorax involves air in the pleural space, causing lung collapse. These conditions are not musculoskeletal injuries and do not relate to ligament damage. This context helps clarify the specific nature of a sprain and its relevance in differentiating between similar injuries within the field of nursing.