Which factors increase the risk of dehiscence and evisceration?

Which factors increase the risk of dehiscence and evisceration?

• A. Obesity, smoking, malnutrition, anticoagulants, infection, coughing/vomiting/straining
• B. Age and gender only
• C. Adequate nutrition
• D. Regular exercise

Answer: (D)

When assessing the risk for wound dehiscence and possible evisceration, think about factors that stress the wound or impair its healing. Obesity increases the mechanical strain on the suture line, making it harder for the wound to stay closed. Smoking reduces tissue oxygenation and collagen production, weakening the new tissue that holds the wound together. Malnutrition deprives the body of essential nutrients needed for repair, so the wound heals more slowly and less robustly. Anticoagulants raise the chance of bleeding and hematoma formation under the wound, which can separate the edges. Infection directly disrupts healing and weakens tissue integrity. Coughing, vomiting, or straining spike intra-abdominal pressure, tugging on the wound and pushing contents toward or through the closure. These factors collectively create a high-risk environment for dehiscence and evisceration. By contrast, age and gender alone don’t explain this risk, and adequate nutrition alongside regular exercise generally supports healing rather than increases risk.

When assessing the risk for wound dehiscence and possible evisceration, think about factors that stress the wound or impair its healing. Obesity increases the mechanical strain on the suture line, making it harder for the wound to stay closed. Smoking reduces tissue oxygenation and collagen production, weakening the new tissue that holds the wound together. Malnutrition deprives the body of essential nutrients needed for repair, so the wound heals more slowly and less robustly. Anticoagulants raise the chance of bleeding and hematoma formation under the wound, which can separate the edges. Infection directly disrupts healing and weakens tissue integrity. Coughing, vomiting, or straining spike intra-abdominal pressure, tugging on the wound and pushing contents toward or through the closure.

These factors collectively create a high-risk environment for dehiscence and evisceration. By contrast, age and gender alone don’t explain this risk, and adequate nutrition alongside regular exercise generally supports healing rather than increases risk.