An injury to the skin caused by a sharp cut of an object is called ______ .

Appeared in: UP CHO - 10 September 2021

Explanation

An incision is the correct term for a wound caused by a sharp-edged object.
Its key characteristics are clean, straight, and well-defined edges, as opposed to the torn or scraped appearance of other wounds.
Surgical wounds are a classic example of incisions, which are designed for optimal healing, typically by primary intention.
The length of an incised wound is usually greater than its depth.

Option A: An abrasion is a superficial wound caused by scraping or rubbing the skin against a rough surface, not a sharp cut. It involves the removal of the top layer of skin (epidermis).
Option B: An avulsion is a severe injury where a section of skin and underlying tissue is torn off completely or left hanging as a flap. It is caused by a tearing force, not a clean cut.
Option D: A puncture wound is caused by a pointed object piercing the skin, creating a small entry point but a potentially deep wound track. The mechanism is piercing, not cutting.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Classification of open wounds based on the mechanism of injury helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Accurate wound identification is a critical nursing skill as it dictates the appropriate cleaning, dressing, and closure technique.
Incisions have a lower infection risk than puncture or avulsion wounds if managed correctly, as there is less devitalized tissue and debris.
A key nursing assessment for any open wound is to determine the patient's tetanus immunization status, as Clostridium tetani can enter through any break in the skin.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key descriptor in the question stem, which is 'sharp cut'.
Next, recall the definitions of the four types of wounds provided in the options.
An 'abrasion' is a scrape.
An 'avulsion' is a tear.
An 'incision' is a clean cut.
A 'puncture' is a deep hole from a pointed object.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QN41KinojuX36M_wyLJG0r

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 6 pp. 70-72, 71-73

E6 Ghai Essential Pediatrics(pp 26-904 of 913) p. 746-748

Practise the full UP CHO - 10 September 2021

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.