Which abnormal finding suggests a skin tear has occurred?

The presence of ecchymosis is a significant indication that a skin tear has occurred. Ecchymosis refers to a discoloration of the skin resulting from bleeding underneath, which often presents as a bruise. When a skin tear occurs, there is often damage to the underlying blood vessels, leading to bleeding and subsequent bruising. This abnormal finding indicates trauma to the skin and suggests that the integrity of the skin has been compromised.

Other options do not effectively indicate a skin tear. For instance, no redness suggests there is no inflammation or irritation, potentially indicating the absence of injury. Intact skin suggests that there has been no disruption in the epidermis, which contradicts the occurrence of a skin tear. Uniform color indicates that there is no visible trauma or injury present on the skin surface. Therefore, the appearance of ecchymosis is the most telling sign of a skin tear among the choices provided.