Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) Practice Exam

Which symptom is NOT associated with a Grade 2 scar?

1. Joint limitation

2. Thickened tissue

3. Pain and itching

4. Softness and pliability

The correct answer is: Softness and pliability

In the context of scar classification, Grade 2 scars are characterized by certain distinctive features. They typically present with symptoms such as painful sensations, itching, and thickened tissues, particularly when they are healing or in the formation phase. Joint limitation can also occur if the scar is located near a joint or affects surrounding tissues, as it can restrict movement. In contrast, the defining trait of a Grade 2 scar does not include softness and pliability. Such characteristics are generally associated with less problematic scars, which can be flexible and more easily integrated into surrounding tissue. The presence of softness and pliability indicates a scar that has matured and is healthy, contrasting with the hyperplastic or dysplastic nature of a Grade 2 scar, which tends to be firmer and less adaptable. Therefore, recognizing the lack of softness and pliability in a Grade 2 scar is crucial for understanding its characteristics.