What term describes a wound made by a sharp pointed object piercing the skin?

• A. Puncture
• B. Incision
• C. Laceration
• D. Abrasion

Answer: (A)

A puncture wound is a wound created when a sharp pointed object pierces the skin. This type of injury is defined by entry through the skin from a pointed object, often resulting in a small, focused opening that may extend deeper into tissue. It contrasts with other wound types: an incision is a clean, straight cut usually made by a blade with smooth edges; a laceration results from tearing, producing jagged or irregular edges; an abrasion is superficial skin loss from scraping or rubbing. Because a puncture can hide a deeper tract and contaminate the wound, it’s important to assess depth, potential involvement of underlying structures, and tetanus or infection risk.