How would you define a contusion?

A contusion is defined as a closed injury characterized by discoloration and pain at the site where the trauma has occurred. This condition typically arises from a blunt force impact that damages small blood vessels, leading to bleeding under the skin, which manifests as a bruise. The presence of discoloration indicates that blood has pooled beneath the surface, and the pain is a direct result of inflammation and irritation of the underlying tissues.

While the other options include elements that may seem relevant, they do not fully or accurately encompass the definition of a contusion. For instance, while bruises generally arise from minor trauma, not all bruises would necessarily classify as contusions. Additionally, while there might be swelling associated with this kind of injury, simply stating a "discolored lump due to swelling" lacks the specificity needed to define a contusion accurately. Similarly, a fracture that does not break the skin pertains to a different category of injury altogether and does not relate to the characteristics of a contusion. Thus, option C embodies the comprehensive characteristics of a contusion and distinguishes it in a clinical context.