Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC) Practice Test

While attempting to bunt a pitch, a baseball player is struck in the eye by the ball. What injury may be indicated?

1. Corneal abrasion

2. Hyphema

3. Orbital fracture

4. Retinal detachment

The correct answer is: Hyphema

In the scenario where a baseball player is struck in the eye while attempting to bunt, the injury that may be indicated is a hyphema. A hyphema occurs when there is bleeding in the anterior chamber of the eye, typically as a result of blunt trauma. This bleeding can partially or completely fill the space between the cornea and the iris, leading to a range of symptoms, including vision changes and eye pain. The mechanism of injury, which involves a ball hitting the eye, provides a clear basis for the development of a hyphema since such impact can lead to rupture of blood vessels within the eye. Additionally, hyphema is often observed following direct trauma and is consistent with the described incident. Other injuries, while possible, are less specifically indicated in this context. Corneal abrasions, for instance, involve scratches on the surface of the cornea and may not necessarily involve bleeding or changes within the eye's anterior chamber. Orbital fractures refer to breaks in the bones surrounding the eye, which may not directly relate to the bleeding noted in a hyphema. Retinal detachment typically occurs due to traction or a tear in the retina, often without immediate trauma, and may not present directly after such an incident. Thus, given the specific circumstances of