What characterizes a nondisplaced fracture?

A nondisplaced fracture is characterized by the bone being broken but remaining in the proper alignment. This means that even though there is a fracture, the pieces of the bone have not moved out of their normal position. This type of fracture often allows for healing without surgical intervention, as the bone fragments are still in close proximity to each other.

The other scenarios described in the choices do not define a nondisplaced fracture. A misaligned bone indicates a displaced fracture, where the bone fragments are not in their normal position. A complete break of the bone refers to a complete fracture, which can occur in both displaced and nondisplaced fractures depending on how the fragments are arranged. Lastly, a broken skin indicates an open or compound fracture, where the fracture is exposed through the skin, and again, this does not describe a nondisplaced fracture. Thus, the condition that best defines a nondisplaced fracture is that the fractured bone remains aligned.