Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX USA) Practice

What indicates a Grade 1 sprain?

1. A complete tear of the ligament

2. Minor stretch or partial tear of the ligament

3. Moderate tearing with joint instability

4. Severe tearing with significant swelling

The correct answer is: Minor stretch or partial tear of the ligament

A Grade 1 sprain indicates a minor stretch or partial tear of the ligament, characterized by mild symptoms. In this type of sprain, there is some disruption of the ligament's fibers, but the overall integrity of the ligament remains largely intact. This leads to mild swelling, minimal pain, and no significant joint instability. In contrast, a complete tear of the ligament typically corresponds with a more serious grade of sprain, such as Grade 3, which involves significant loss of ligament function. Moderate tearing with joint instability would suggest a Grade 2 sprain, where the ligament is partially torn, leading to some loss of stability. Severe tearing with significant swelling is also indicative of a more advanced sprain, likely Grade 3. Therefore, the characteristics of a Grade 1 sprain are specifically aligned with a minor stretch or partial tear of the ligament, marking it as the least severe type of sprain.