In the described case after treatment, which finding indicated swelling in the arm?

• A. Noticeable swelling
• B. Normal radial pulse
• C. Cool skin temp
• D. 5/5 strength in wrist flexion

Answer: (A)

Swelling is the direct sign of edema, the accumulation of fluid in the tissues that follows injury and the inflammatory response. When the arm is swollen after treatment, you’re seeing the fluid shift into the interstitial space and tissue fullness that characterizes edema. That observable enlargement is the clearest indication that swelling is present.

A normal radial pulse shows circulation is intact but doesn’t tell you about tissue edema. Cool skin temperature can accompany various conditions but isn’t a specific measure of swelling, and strong wrist flexion (5/5) indicates good motor function, which doesn’t confirm or deny edema. So the noticeable swelling answer best captures the presence of swelling in the arm.