LESSON 1
WOUND HEALING AND WOUND CARE
1-1.
WOUND TERMINOLOGY
a. Definitions. A wound is a break in the continuity of the skin, the break
caused by violence or trauma to the tissue. A wound may be open or closed. In a
closed wound or bruise, the soft tissue below the skin surface is damaged, but there is
no break in the skin. In an open wound, the surface of the skin is broken. Here are
some terms referring to wounds. You should become familiar with these terms.
(1) Abrasion. The outer layers of skin or mucous membrane are rubbed or
scraped off (figure 1-1).
Figure 1-1. Abrasion.
(2) Incised. This type of wound is cut smooth and straight. The rate of
wound (incision).
(3) Laceration. This wound is a torn, jagged cut which has gone through the
skin tissues and blood vessels (figure 1-2). The wound could have been made by blunt
instruments such as shell fragments. Lacerations are usually very dirty.
MD0576
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