What characterizes a contaminated wound?

A contaminated wound is characterized by the presence of microorganisms that may lead to infection. Specifically, it is a wound that has been exposed to bacteria or foreign materials that can compromise its cleanliness and healing process. These factors significantly elevate the risk of infection, necessitating appropriate wound management to minimize potential complications.

In contrast, the other options describe wound conditions that do not align with the characteristics of a contaminated wound. A clean, well-healed wound suggests that there has been no microbial contamination and the healing process is proceeding optimally, thus lacking the risk associated with contamination. A superficial scrape indicates a minor injury that may not necessarily involve contamination, particularly if it is cleaned promptly. Similarly, a wound that is healing well implies effective recovery without infection or contamination, further differentiating it from a contaminated wound scenario.