GUNSHOT WOUND Meaning and
Definition
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Gunshot wound refers to a traumatic injury caused by the discharge of a firearm or any penetrating weapon that fires a projectile. It occurs when a bullet or projectile enters the body through the skin, causing damage to tissues, organs, and structures in its path.
Gunshot wounds can vary widely in severity, depending on factors such as the type of firearm, the distance from which the shot was fired, the caliber of the bullet, and the location of impact. The severity of a gunshot wound can range from minor superficial injuries to life-threatening or fatal injuries.
The consequences of a gunshot wound can be extensive and include significant bleeding, tissue damage, bone fractures, organ perforation, and nerve injury. The trajectory of the bullet within the body can lead to complex patterns of injury, making assessment and treatment challenging.
Immediate medical attention is crucial for individuals who sustain a gunshot wound to minimize the risk of complications and mortality. Initial management may involve controlling bleeding with direct pressure, applying bandages, or even applying tourniquets if necessary. Victims may require surgical intervention to address internal bleeding, repair damaged organs or structures, and remove the projectile. In some cases, additional treatments such as antibiotics may be necessary to prevent infections. Rehabilitation and psychological support may also be essential for long-term recovery, as gunshot wounds can have lasting physical and emotional effects on individuals.
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One made with a bullet or other missile projected by a firearm.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for GUNSHOT WOUND
- funshot wound
- vunshot wound
- bunshot wound
- hunshot wound
- yunshot wound
- tunshot wound
- gynshot wound
- ghnshot wound
- gjnshot wound
- ginshot wound
- g8nshot wound
- g7nshot wound
- gubshot wound
- gumshot wound
- gujshot wound
- guhshot wound
- gunahot wound
- gunzhot wound
- gunxhot wound
- gundhot wound
- gunshotwound
Etymology of GUNSHOT WOUND
The word "gunshot wound" is a compound term consisting of two parts: "gunshot" and "wound".
The term "gunshot" originated in the late 16th century, deriving from the combination of the words "gun" and "shot". "Gun" can be traced back to the Middle English word "gonne", which came from the Old Norse word "gunnr" meaning "war". "Shot" refers to a projectile fired from a firearm.
The word "wound" has its roots in Middle English and can be traced back to the Old English word "wund", meaning "a hurt, injury, or sore". It has Germanic origins and is related to the Old High German word "wunta" and Old Norse word "und".
The combination of these two words, "gunshot" and "wound", was used to describe injuries caused by gunshot projectiles.
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