A break in the skin is called:

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

Answer: (A)

When the skin is broken, the term describes the situation: an open wound. This designation emphasizes that the protective skin barrier has been breached and tissue may be exposed, which is important for knowing to clean and cover the area to prevent infection. A cut is a type of wound caused by a sharp object that breaks the skin, but it’s not the general term for every instance of skin break. An abrasion is a superficial scrape that wears away the top layer of skin, which is a kind of break but usually considered under the broader idea of an open wound in first-aid contexts. A contusion is a bruise with no break in the skin.