Which of the following is a characteristic of abrasions?

• A. Skin is scraped off with limited bleeding
• B. Edges are smooth with extensive bleeding
• C. Excessive tearing of tissues with heavy bleeding
• D. Body part is completely severed with possible reattachment

Answer: (A)

Abrasions are a type of wound that occur when the outer layer of skin is scraped away due to friction against a rough surface. This characteristic leads to limited bleeding because the injury often affects only the superficial skin layers, which do not have as many blood vessels compared to deeper tissues. As a result, abrasions may appear raw and can be painful, but they typically do not lead to significant blood loss.

In contrast, the other options describe different types of injuries. Smooth edges and extensive bleeding would indicate a laceration, which involves deeper cuts into the skin. Excessive tearing of tissues with heavy bleeding suggests a severe wound, possibly a complex laceration or an avulsion, where tissue is forcibly detached. A completely severed body part implies an amputation, which is a critical injury requiring immediate medical attention.