What is a common characteristic of a wound that has a risk of dehiscence?

A wound with a risk of dehiscence often shows signs of infection. Infection can compromise the integrity of the wound healing process, leading to increased inflammation, necrosis of tissue, and ultimately a failure of the wound edges to adhere properly. When a wound is infected, the inflammatory response can lead to tissue breakdown, increasing the likelihood that the wound will reopen or dehisce.

On the other hand, well-nourished tissue, clean and neatly closed wounds, and those closed within 24 hours are all favorable factors that contribute to wound healing and reduce the risk of dehiscence. Specifically, optimal nutrition supports cellular repair and regeneration, clean closure promotes proper healing, and timely closure minimizes the risk of complications. Thus, the presence of infection is a significant risk factor for dehiscence in wound healing.