Surgical Wound Classification Decision Tree

These flashcards cover the key concepts and classifications of surgical wounds as outlined in the surgical wound classification decision tree.

What classifies a wound as Class I (Clean)?

A Class I wound is clean if it is not infected or inflamed, results from nonpenetrating blunt trauma, and the procedure was free from entry into the respiratory, alimentary, or genitourinary tract.

What criteria define a Class II (Clean-Contaminated) wound?

A Class II wound enters the respiratory, alimentary, or genitourinary tract under controlled conditions without evidence of infection or contamination and without a major break in technique.

What indicates a Class III (Contaminated) wound?

A Class III wound is contaminated if it shows gross spillage from the gastrointestinal tract or has nonpurulent inflammation present.

What are the characteristics of a Class IV (Dirty, Infected) wound?

A Class IV wound is old (more than 4 to 6 hours), has retained devitalized tissue, existing clinical infection, or perforated viscera.

What is the significance of a major break in sterile technique?

A major break in sterile technique during a procedure results in a contaminated wound (Class III).