Which term describes swelling due to ruptured blood vessels?

The term that accurately describes swelling resulting from ruptured blood vessels is "hematoma." When a blood vessel is damaged and bleeding occurs outside of the vessel, blood collects in the surrounding tissues, leading to localized swelling. This collection of blood can cause discoloration and is often seen in bruises.

Hematomas can occur in various parts of the body, depending on the location of the rupture. The swelling is typically firm to the touch and may be accompanied by pain in the affected area. Understanding this term is crucial for recognizing injuries and their corresponding signs in a clinical setting, as it directly relates to the underlying mechanisms of trauma and bleeding.

The other terms provided refer to different medical conditions: hematuria pertains to blood in the urine, hematochezia refers to the passage of fresh blood from the rectum, and hemothorax denotes the presence of blood in the pleural cavity (the space between the lungs and the chest wall). Each of these terms describes specific symptoms or conditions but does not encapsulate the general concept of swelling resulting from blood vessel rupture as hematoma does.