Mike's superficial bleeding from gravel indicates which type of wound?

• A. Abrasions
• B. Lacerations
• C. Punctures
• D. Avulsions

Answer: (A)

When a wound is caused by sliding across a rough surface like gravel, the skin is scraped away only from the surface. That shallow, superficial skin loss is characteristic of an abrasion. Abrasions produce minor bleeding and a scraped or raw-looking area, often with some dirt or grit in the wound. In contrast, a laceration is a deeper, irregular cut with more substantial tissue involvement; a puncture is a narrow entry wound from a pointed object that can be deeper than it looks; an avulsion involves a portion of tissue being torn away. So the mechanism (friction on gravel) and the superficial nature of the damage point to an abrasion. For care, gently clean the area, remove any debris, apply a dressing, and monitor for infection.