Which impairment level is most likely described by a sprained ankle scenario?

• A. Temporary Partial
• B. Permanent Total
• C. Permanent Partial
• D. Temporary Total

Answer: (A)

The concept being tested is the typical impairment level for an acute, recoverable injury like a sprained ankle. A sprain usually causes temporary limitations in function but does not result in a permanent loss of function. Once healing occurs, normal or near-normal function returns, so the impairment is considered temporary and partial. The other options describe scenarios that don’t fit a common sprain: temporary total would imply a complete inability to work during healing, which isn’t usually the case for a sprain; permanent total would be a complete and lasting loss of function; permanent partial would imply a lasting partial impairment after healing, which can occur with more severe or chronic conditions but isn’t the typical description for a standard sprain.