Which of the following is a potential sign of a fracture in a limb?

Swelling and deformity are definitive signs of a fracture in a limb. When a bone breaks, it can lead to swelling due to inflammation and fluid accumulation around the injury site. Deformity may manifest as an abnormal alignment of the limb, where it may appear out of place, bent, or shortened compared to the unaffected limb. These physical changes are direct indicators of a fracture, drawing attention to skeletal trauma, and thus warrant immediate assessment and care.

In contrast, joint stiffness can result from various conditions and is not solely indicative of a fracture. Mild bruising may occur without a fracture, as it can be associated with soft tissue injuries. Redness of the skin can arise from numerous causes, including infection or inflammation, and is not a specific sign of a fracture. Therefore, while all these symptoms may indicate an injury, swelling and deformity are the most indicative of a fracture requiring urgent medical evaluation.