Any break in the skin is called:

Any break in the skin is called:

• A. An open wound
• B. A cut
• C. An abrasion
• D. A contusion

Answer: (A)

Any break in the skin is called an open wound. This broad term covers any injury where the skin is breached and there may be exposure of underlying tissue or bleeding, including cuts, scrapes (abrasions), punctures, and similar injuries. A cut is a type of open wound, but not all open wounds are just cuts—abrasions involve surface skin loss, and punctures or lacerations are other specific kinds. A contusion is a bruise with intact skin, so it isn’t an open wound. Recognizing an open wound matters for proper cleaning, protection, and dressing to prevent infection and manage bleeding.

Any break in the skin is called an open wound. This broad term covers any injury where the skin is breached and there may be exposure of underlying tissue or bleeding, including cuts, scrapes (abrasions), punctures, and similar injuries. A cut is a type of open wound, but not all open wounds are just cuts—abrasions involve surface skin loss, and punctures or lacerations are other specific kinds. A contusion is a bruise with intact skin, so it isn’t an open wound. Recognizing an open wound matters for proper cleaning, protection, and dressing to prevent infection and manage bleeding.