Market Broiler Management Practice Test

At what age does a bruise become colored black and blue?

1. 72 hours

2. 96 hours

3. 120 hours

4. 144 hours

The correct answer is: 120 hours

A bruise typically undergoes a series of color changes as it heals, starting with red and then progressing to shades of purple, blue, green, and yellow. The transition to a black and blue coloration generally occurs approximately 120 hours after the initial injury. This timing is associated with the breakdown of hemoglobin in the blood that has pooled under the skin due to the injury. Understanding the biological process that occurs in bruising helps clarify why the specific timing of 120 hours is significant. Around this time, the body is actively processing the red blood cells and the pigments within them, leading to the specific black and blue hue that is commonly recognized. The options that represent shorter or longer durations do not align with the typical physiological changes observed during the healing process of a bruise.