What defines a clean-contaminated wound?

A clean-contaminated wound is defined as an operative wound in which there has been a controlled entry into a body cavity that normally harbors microorganisms, such as the respiratory or gastrointestinal tract. During surgery, if care is taken to minimize contamination, these wounds are classified as clean-contaminated. They have a lower risk of infection compared to contaminated or dirty wounds, as the entry was intentional and managed properly.

The characteristics of a clean-contaminated wound emphasize the surgical context in which a procedure occurs. While the wound may involve areas typically populated with bacteria, the controlled conditions during surgery help reduce the risk of postoperative infections, classifying it distinctively from both clean and contaminated wounds.

In contrast, the other options depict different types of wounds: a clean wound has no contamination, a contaminated wound arises from external factors leading to unintentional microbial entry, and open wounds suggest a direct risk of infection without the procedural controls that define a clean-contaminated status. Each classification is essential for determining appropriate surgical and postoperative management, as well as antibiotic prophylaxis.