Which of the patient’s soft-tissue injuries is least likely to result in infection? A. Contusion on the right lateral chest B. Abdominal laceration C. Burns to the face D. Abrasions to the face
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is A. Contusion on the right lateral chest.
Explanation:
A contusion is a type of soft-tissue injury that involves damage to blood vessels under the skin, causing bruising and swelling. Contusions typically occur when a blunt force impacts the skin, resulting in tissue damage without breaking the skin. Because the skin remains intact, there is no direct entry point for bacteria or pathogens, making the risk of infection relatively low compared to other injuries.
Let’s examine the other options:
- B. Abdominal laceration: An abdominal laceration involves a break or tear in the skin or deeper tissue layers. Lacerations, particularly when they penetrate deeper layers like muscle or the peritoneum, create an open wound that can easily become infected. If the laceration is not properly cleaned and treated, bacteria can enter the wound, leading to an infection. Additionally, abdominal wounds are at risk for contamination from bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, which increases the likelihood of infection.
- C. Burns to the face: Burns, especially third-degree or severe second-degree burns, damage the skin’s integrity and its ability to act as a barrier against pathogens. Facial burns can lead to severe tissue loss, and because the face is often exposed to dirt, bacteria, and other contaminants, there is a heightened risk of infection. Burns can also cause fluid loss and make the skin more vulnerable to infection, requiring careful management.
- D. Abrasions to the face: Abrasions are superficial wounds where the outer layer of skin is scraped off. Though they may not be as deep as lacerations, they still break the skin and expose underlying tissue to potential infection. Abrasions on the face can be particularly concerning due to the high concentration of bacteria in the area, as well as the possibility of contamination from dirt or other environmental factors.
In conclusion, a contusion is least likely to result in infection because it doesn’t break the skin, unlike lacerations, abrasions, and burns, which all create open pathways for bacteria to enter and cause infection.