A wound that extends to muscle or bone is classified as which type?

A wound that extends to muscle or bone is classified as which type?

• A. Partial-thickness
• B. Full-thickness
• C. Superficial
• D. Subcutaneous-only

Answer: (B)

Depth of tissue involvement determines wound type. If a wound extends into muscle or bone, it has cut through the full thickness of the skin and into underlying tissues—this is a full-thickness wound. Superficial wounds affect only the epidermis. Partial-thickness wounds involve the epidermis and part of the dermis but do not reach deeper structures like muscle or bone. A wound limited to subcutaneous tissue does not reach muscle or bone. Because a full-thickness wound reaches deeper tissues, it usually requires more extensive care, carries a higher infection risk, and healing often involves debridement or surgical closure and a longer recovery.

Depth of tissue involvement determines wound type. If a wound extends into muscle or bone, it has cut through the full thickness of the skin and into underlying tissues—this is a full-thickness wound. Superficial wounds affect only the epidermis. Partial-thickness wounds involve the epidermis and part of the dermis but do not reach deeper structures like muscle or bone. A wound limited to subcutaneous tissue does not reach muscle or bone. Because a full-thickness wound reaches deeper tissues, it usually requires more extensive care, carries a higher infection risk, and healing often involves debridement or surgical closure and a longer recovery.