How does an open wound differ from a closed wound?

How does an open wound differ from a closed wound?

• A. Open wound has tissue damage without skin break; closed wound has breaks in the skin.
• B. Open wound results from internal bleeding; closed wound results from external injury.
• C. Open wound is managed with closed dressings; closed wound requires sterile sutures.
• D. Open wound has breaks in the skin or mucous membranes; closed wound has tissue damage without skin break.

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is distinguishing wounds by whether the skin or mucous membranes are breached. An open wound has a break in the skin or mucous membranes, so underlying tissue is exposed. A closed wound has tissue damage beneath an intact skin surface, as in a bruise or contusion. The correct description aligns with this surface integrity distinction. The other statements mix in factors like internal bleeding or treatment requirements, which aren’t the defining difference between open and closed wounds.

The main idea here is distinguishing wounds by whether the skin or mucous membranes are breached. An open wound has a break in the skin or mucous membranes, so underlying tissue is exposed. A closed wound has tissue damage beneath an intact skin surface, as in a bruise or contusion. The correct description aligns with this surface integrity distinction. The other statements mix in factors like internal bleeding or treatment requirements, which aren’t the defining difference between open and closed wounds.