Which description matches primary intention?

Which description matches primary intention?

• A. Not well approximated, heal from the bottom up
• B. Well approximated, usually sutured shut
• C. Combo of primary and secondary left open to drain
• D. Heals by secondary intention

Answer: (C)

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.

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.