Which of the following is NOT a sign or symptom of a sprain?

In the context of a sprain, increased strength is not a sign or symptom. A sprain involves the overstretching or tearing of ligaments that connect bones at a joint, leading to a range of symptoms. Typically, injury to the ligaments results in pain, swelling, and discoloration around the affected joint area. Pain occurs due to the damage and inflammation of the ligaments, swelling is a response from the body as it directs fluid to the affected area, and discoloration may result from bruising caused by blood vessels being damaged.

In contrast, increased strength would imply that the muscles or ligaments around the joint are functioning better than usual, which does not occur with a sprain. Instead, individuals usually experience a decrease in strength and stability in the injured area, making it difficult to use the affected joint properly. Thus, recognizing that increased strength is not associated with a sprain helps clarify the typical symptoms that should be expected when evaluating such an injury.