What does the term "dehiscence" refer to in wound care?

• A. The formation of new tissue at the wound site
• B. The surgical reopening of a wound due to insufficient healing
• C. An infection developing within the wound
• D. The application of stitches to a healing wound

Answer: (B)

The term "dehiscence" specifically refers to the surgical reopening of a wound due to insufficient healing. This can occur after surgical procedures when the wound edges do not come together properly or when there is too much tension on the wound site. Dehiscence can lead to complications such as increased risk of infection, delayed healing, and the potential for further surgery to address the issue.

In wound care, monitoring for signs of dehiscence is critical, especially in surgical patients, to ensure proper healing and to implement interventions if the wound begins to separate. The other options do not accurately describe this term; for instance, new tissue formation at the wound site pertains more to the healing process rather than a complication, while infection refers to a different pathology. The application of stitches, while related to wound closure, does not involve the reopening or separation characteristic of dehiscence.