Which statement describes an open wound?

Which statement describes an open wound?

• A. Contusion without break
• B. Breaks in skin with infection risk
• C. Edema only
• D. Internal injury without skin break

Answer: (B)

An open wound is a break in the skin or mucous membranes that creates an opening through which germs can enter, increasing the risk of infection. The statement describing breaks in skin with infection risk matches this idea exactly, because you can visibly see a skin disruption and know that the protective barrier is no longer intact. The other descriptions involve conditions where the skin isn’t broken: a contusion is a bruise under intact skin, edema is swelling without a wound, and an internal injury without skin break involves damage beneath the surface without an exposed wound. In open wounds you would expect to see a cut, scrape, or puncture with an exposed edge of skin. If you encounter one, apply pressure to stop bleeding as needed, clean gently, and cover with a sterile dressing, seeking medical care for deep, dirty, or controlling bleeding.

An open wound is a break in the skin or mucous membranes that creates an opening through which germs can enter, increasing the risk of infection. The statement describing breaks in skin with infection risk matches this idea exactly, because you can visibly see a skin disruption and know that the protective barrier is no longer intact. The other descriptions involve conditions where the skin isn’t broken: a contusion is a bruise under intact skin, edema is swelling without a wound, and an internal injury without skin break involves damage beneath the surface without an exposed wound. In open wounds you would expect to see a cut, scrape, or puncture with an exposed edge of skin. If you encounter one, apply pressure to stop bleeding as needed, clean gently, and cover with a sterile dressing, seeking medical care for deep, dirty, or controlling bleeding.