What is typically visible if a person has a cut or bruise?

A cut or bruise is a visible manifestation of an injury to the skin or underlying tissues, making it a direct sign of physical trauma. When you see a cut, which involves a break in the skin, or a bruise, which results from damage to blood vessels leading to discoloration, you are observing clear evidence of injury. This visibility allows rescuers and medical professionals to quickly identify the extent of the injury when assessing a casualty.

Other options, while relevant to understanding a casualty’s condition, do not address the direct visibility aspect. For example, symptoms as described by the casualty are subjective and may include pain or discomfort but do not provide visible evidence. Shock may also be indicated through other symptoms such as rapid pulse or pale skin, but it is not visible like a cut or bruise. A report generated by medical professionals is a documentation of the assessment and treatment process but does not reflect immediate visibility of an injury. Hence, the most accurate choice concerning visible indicators of physical trauma is the sign of a physical injury.