PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

What is the CDC classification for uninfected operative wounds with no inflammation?

1. Contaminated wounds

2. Clean wounds

3. Dirty wounds

4. Infected wounds

The correct answer is: Clean wounds

The classification of wounds by the CDC is an important framework for understanding the risk of infection and guiding surgical management. In this context, uninfected operative wounds characterized by no inflammation are classified as clean wounds. Clean wounds occur in surgical procedures where there is no involvement of the gastrointestinal, respiratory, or genitourinary tracts, and no acute inflammation is present. These wounds are typically made under sterile conditions and have minimal risk of contamination, which is why they are deemed "clean." This classification is essential in predicting postoperative infection rates and developing appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis. In contrast, the other classifications represent various conditions that include factors that contribute to higher infection risks. Contaminated wounds involve acute inflammation or, more generally, are created through a traumatic break in sterile technique. Dirty wounds refer to those with established infection or visible necrotic tissue. Infected wounds are already characterized by clinical signs of infection such as redness, warmth, swelling, or purulent discharge. Understanding these classifications is crucial for healthcare professionals in making decisions about surgical techniques, wound management, and antibiotic prophylaxis.