PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

What classification is given to old traumatic wounds that involve clinical infection or perforated viscera?

1. Clean

2. Dirty or infected

3. Contaminated

4. Clean-contaminated

The correct answer is: Dirty or infected

The classification of wounds is crucial in surgical practice, particularly for determining the appropriate management and anticipated risk of infection. Old traumatic wounds that involve clinical infection or perforated viscera are classified as "dirty or infected." This classification indicates that there is a significant presence of bacteria, and the wound has either been contaminated with fecal or oral material, has an established infection, or contains necrotic tissue. The presence of perforated viscera, which can release bacteria into the surrounding tissues, underscores the likelihood of complications and the need for careful surgical intervention. Other classifications, such as clean, contaminated, and clean-contaminated, represent wounds with varying levels of microbial presence and risk. Clean wounds are those devoid of infection and free from contamination. Contaminated wounds may involve a break in sterile technique or fresh traumatic wounds with bacteria but no established infection. Clean-contaminated wounds are surgically created wounds that have a higher risk than clean wounds but are managed under sterile conditions. Thus, the classification of "dirty or infected" is specifically designated for wounds with established clinical infection or those complicated by perforated viscera, highlighting the severity and complexity of these cases.