First Aid for Corrections Officers Practice Test

What is a laceration?

1. A severe bruise

2. A cut in the skin

3. An open wound

4. A puncture from a sharp object

The correct answer is: A cut in the skin

A laceration is defined as a cut or tear in the skin, typically resulting from a sharp object or trauma. This type of injury may involve various layers of the skin and can vary in depth and length, potentially affecting underlying tissues, including muscles and nerves. The characteristics of a laceration can lead to significant bleeding and a risk of infection if not treated properly. While some of the other options mention types of injuries, they do not accurately describe a laceration. A severe bruise refers to a contusion where the skin is not broken but blood pools beneath the skin, an open wound could refer to any type of injury with skin breakage, and a puncture specifically refers to a wound made by a sharp, pointed object, which is distinct from the tearing nature of a laceration. Therefore, the definition of a laceration as a cut in the skin is the most precise and relevant to understanding this type of injury.