Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of an open wound?

An open wound is defined as an injury in which the skin is broken, creating a pathway for potential pathogens to enter the body. Hence, the characteristic that indicates "no risk of infection" is not applicable to open wounds. Open wounds inherently pose a significant risk of infection due to the exposed tissues and the possibility of bacteria, dirt, and other contaminants entering the wound site.

In contrast, bleeding may occur in open wounds due to the exposure of blood vessels, which are often severed or damaged. Likewise, the presence of a break in the skin is fundamental to classifying a wound as open, as this distinguishes it from closed wounds. Additionally, abrasions and lacerations are specific types of open wounds characterized by different forms of skin damage, further reinforcing that such injuries are indeed open and susceptible to infection. Therefore, identifying that an open wound has no risk of infection accurately highlights a misunderstanding of the fundamental nature of how open wounds can lead to complications, including infections.