title: Injuring mechanisms of gunshot wounds.
abstract: The severity of injury in a gunshot wound is dependent on many factors, including the type of firearm; the velocity, mass, and construction of the bullet; and the structural properties of the tissues that are wounded. Knowledge of ballistics and an appreciation of the wounding potential of certain firearms and their ammunition can help clinicians anticipate the severity of a wound and raise the index of suspicion for occult but severe internal trauma.
authors.forename: K M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: White
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D014948:Wounds, Gunshot / Q000451:nursing / Q000503:physiopathology*