Holistic Nursing Exam 2 Practice

Healing by primary intention means the wound edges are cleanly approximated and closed, usually with sutures, so tissue loss is minimal and healing is rapid with a small scar. The description that fits best here describes delayed primary closure, a situation where the wound is left open to drain and then closed later. This approach blends elements of both primary and secondary healing: drainage and cleaning reduce infection risk (secondary-type handling), and later closure allows the wound to heal by primary intention. That combination is why this option is the best match.

To contrast, a wound that is not well approximated heals by secondary intention (fills in from the bottom with granulation tissue), a wound that is well approximated and sutured shut demonstrates classic primary intention, and healing by secondary intention alone would be left open to heal without subsequent closure.