Complications of Wound Healing

These flashcards cover key concepts related to complications of wound healing, including definitions, phases of healing, and associated risks.

What occurs during hemorrhage after an injury or surgical incision?

Bleeding may be either internal or external, and blood vessels in the wound constrict to provide hemostasis.

What is a hematoma?

An accumulation of blood that occurs if the blood-clotting mechanisms fail.

What is the emergency situation characterized by the protrusion of intraabdominal organs through the suture line?

Evisceration.

What is dehiscence in the context of wound healing?

A complete or partial separation of the suture line and underlying tissues.

What are the three phases of wound healing?

Hemostatic/inflammatory phase, proliferative phase, and remodeling phase.

What is the main purpose of the hemostatic/inflammatory phase?

To stop bleeding and initiate the healing process.

What happens during the proliferative phase of wound healing?

Granulation tissue develops, and re-epithelialization occurs to cover the wound.

What factors can delay wound healing?

Infection, decreased blood supply, long-term steroid use, aging, diabetes, and malnutrition.

What is the most common causative agent of superficial surgical site infections?

Staphylococcus aureus.

What is the process for collecting a wound culture?

Use a sterile cotton applicator after cleaning the wound with saline.