What characterizes a closed wound?

A closed wound is defined primarily by the absence of a break in the skin, despite injury occurring to the tissues beneath. This type of wound may involve contusions, bruises, or internal damage resulting from blunt force trauma. In closed wounds, the skin remains intact, protecting the body from infection and external environmental factors.

The options that refer to a break in the skin or external bleeding pertain specifically to open wounds, where the skin is compromised, leading to potential exposure to pathogens and a higher risk of infection. An infected wound suggests the presence of bacteria and other pathogens, which is not a characteristic of closed wounds; instead, closed wounds do not have that complication unless they become open through further injury or negligence in care. Thus, the defining feature of closed wounds is the preservation of the skin barrier while still allowing for potential trauma to underlying tissues.