Final answer:
A doctor would describe Cindy Gilbert's torn and ragged wound as a laceration. Such wounds are irregular, might need debridement, and can be prone to infection, requiring careful medical treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Cindy Gilbert fell off her bike and suffered a torn and ragged wound on her left arm, the doctor would likely describe it as a laceration. This type of wound is characterized by a tear in the skin that is often irregular and jagged. Depending on the severity, it might require cleansing, wound debridement (removal of contaminated or dead tissue), and possibly sutures to promote proper healing. Lacerations are also at risk for infection, so a doctor would take steps to mitigate this risk, possibly with antibiotics if deemed necessary. Cindy's initial knee injury, if not properly cared for, could have compromised her ability to respond well to the secondary injury from the bike accident due to systemic stress on her body's healing mechanisms.