Which wound type shows normal healing but lacks infection?

The type of wound that demonstrates normal healing while being free from infection is indeed a clean wound. Clean wounds are defined as those that are uninfected surgical wounds, where there is no involvement of the respiratory, gastrointestinal, or genitourinary tracts. These wounds generally heal without complications and show a clear, uncomplicated healing process due to the absence of pathogens.

In differentiating a clean wound from other types, it's important to note that chronic wounds involve ongoing inflammation or healing difficulties, which can often be associated with infection or other systemic issues. Closed wounds refer to injuries where the skin is intact but underlying tissues may be damaged; they may not always indicate normal healing processes. Clean-contaminated wounds, on the other hand, are surgical wounds that may involve systems with a higher likelihood of microbial presence but are still managed to avoid infection.

Thus, a clean wound exemplifies optimal conditions for healing without signs of infection, making it the correct answer.