Laceration
A deep cut or tear in skin or tissue
Definition
A laceration is a cut or tear in the skin produced by blunt trauma that crushes and splits tissue. Lacerations differ from incisions (clean, sharp edges) in their irregular edges and greater contamination risk.
Assessment
- Location, depth, length
- Underlying structures (tendon, nerve, artery)
- Contamination (dirt, foreign bodies)
- Bleeding severity
- Tetanus status
Emergency Care
- Direct pressure for bleeding
- Elevate extremity
- Irrigate with normal saline
- Assess distal neurovascular function
- Closure options: sutures, staples, Dermabond, Steri-Strips (based on location and type)
- Tetanus prophylaxis if not up-to-date
Wound Closure Timing
Most lacerations closed within 6 to 8 hours (up to 24 hours for facial); delayed closure for heavily contaminated wounds.
NCLEX Relevance
Priority: bleeding control and neurovascular assessment.