Which of the following is a symptom of a musculoskeletal injury?

• A. Tenderness
• B. Nausea
• C. Dizziness
• D. Fever

Answer: (A)

Tenderness upon palpation is a common sign of a musculoskeletal injury. When the tissues of the muscles, bones, ligaments, or joints are damaged, pressing on the injured area often hurts, signaling localized tissue injury. This clue helps you identify where the injury is and guides you to evaluate for swelling or reduced movement that commonly accompanies such injuries. Nausea, dizziness, and fever aren’t typical primary signs of a musculoskeletal injury; they suggest other problems, such as dehydration, concussion, infection, or systemic illness. So tenderness at the site best fits a musculoskeletal injury in this context.