Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

During a physical exam for a knee injury, what does increased laxity of one knee compared to the other indicate?

1. Underlying disease

2. Injury to the ligament

3. Infection

4. Fracture

The correct answer is: Injury to the ligament

Increased laxity of one knee compared to the other during a physical exam is most indicative of an injury to the ligament. Ligaments are responsible for stabilizing joints and keeping them aligned during movement. When there is an injury, such as a sprain or tear of a ligament, it can result in excessive movement or "laxity" of the affected knee joint compared to the uninjured knee. This assessment is particularly relevant in the context of knee injuries, as certain ligaments — like the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and the medial collateral ligament (MCL) — are common sites for injuries that lead to increased laxity. A physical examination, which may include specific tests like the Lachman test or anterior drawer test for the ACL, can help determine the extent of ligament damage. While underlying diseases can affect joint stability, they typically present with additional systemic symptoms and do not cause immediate laxity differences during a physical exam. Similarly, infections might lead to joint swelling and pain but are not characterized primarily by increased laxity. A fracture would likely present with more acute and localized signs of distress, and while it can affect stability temporarily, it does not directly result in increased laxity in the same manner as a ligament injury. Thus