Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) Practice Exam

What is the best description of a Grade 1 scar's texture?

1. Flattened and non-painful

2. Thick and rigid

3. Soft and pliable

4. Elastic and flexible

The correct answer is: Thick and rigid

The best description of a Grade 1 scar's texture is that it is soft and pliable. Grade 1 scars, often described as superficial or minimal scarring, typically heal well and may have a texture that remains closer to the original skin. They usually do not show significant changes in tensile strength or rigidity compared to normal skin, making them soft and not rigid. In contrast, thicker and rigid scars are more characteristic of higher-grade scars, which may be raised (such as hypertrophic scars or keloids) and would not fit the description of a Grade 1 scar. A Grade 1 scar would not be expected to be flattened in the way that a more severe scar might. Similarly, elasticity and flexibility are more applicable to healthy skin rather than being a distinctive feature of Grade 1 scars. Therefore, soft and pliable is the most fitting description for a Grade 1 scar's texture.