Nursing Acceleration Challenge Exam (NACE) PN-RN Practice Test

What is the primary risk associated with a dehisced surgical wound?

1. Infection.

2. Evisceration.

3. Necrosis.

4. Seroma formation.

The correct answer is: Evisceration.

The primary risk associated with a dehisced surgical wound is evisceration. Dehiscence refers to the reopening or separation of the wound edges after surgical closure, which creates a pathway for the internal structures to protrude through the wound. Evisceration is a more severe complication that can occur after dehiscence, where the abdominal contents, such as intestines or organs, may actually pop out from the open wound. Understanding this risk highlights the importance of proper wound care, monitoring for signs of wound separation, and implementing preventive measures. While infection is a significant concern with any surgical wound and can indeed occur alongside dehiscence, evisceration itself is a direct consequence of the wound's inability to stay closed, making it a critical risk to recognize and address promptly. Similarly, while necrosis and seroma formation can be related to wound healing complications, they do not directly stem from dehiscence in the way evisceration does. Therefore, recognizing evisceration as a primary risk allows for quicker intervention and management, ultimately improving patient outcomes.