OSMT (Ontario Society of Medical Technologists) Practice Exam

What is a laceration?

1. a clean incision into the dermis

2. a bruising of the dermis and subcutaneous layers

3. an irregular tear of the flesh

4. a raised swelling originating from the subcutaneous layer

The correct answer is: an irregular tear of the flesh

A laceration is characterized as an irregular tear of the flesh, which distinguishes it from other types of wounds such as incisions or abrasions. This type of injury often results from blunt trauma or sharp objects that cause the skin and underlying tissues to tear rather than cut cleanly. The irregularity of the edges can lead to more complex healing scenarios, as compared to a clean incision that is easily sutured. In contrast, a clean incision into the dermis describes a cut that is precise and smooth, usually caused by a surgical instrument or a sharp object, which does not align with the definition of a laceration. Bruising involves damage to blood vessels resulting in discoloration but does not involve a disruption to the skin itself, while a raised swelling indicates an inflammatory response or a cyst rather than a tear. Each of these options describes a different type of skin or tissue injury, underscoring the distinct nature of lacerations.