Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 76%
Simulated
The nurse is caring for a patient who has experienced a total abdominal hysterectomy. Which nursing observation of the incision will indicate the patient is experiencing a complication of wound healing?
Correct answer
D
Rationale
The correct answer is D because the presence of a mass that is bluish in color at the incision site indicates a hematoma, which can be a sign of a complication of wound healing. A hematoma is a collection of blood that can impede proper healing and increase the risk of infection. A: Pain at the site is expected postoperatively. B: Itching is a common part of the healing process and not necessarily indicative of a complication. C: Approximated incision means the wound edges are well-aligned, which is a positive sign of healing. Therefore, D is the correct choice indicating a potential complication.