What complication should be suspected if an older client who had a colon resection experiences sudden serosanguinous drainage followed by bowel appearance on the skin?

What complication should be suspected if an older client who had a colon resection experiences sudden serosanguinous drainage followed by bowel appearance on the skin?

• A. Dehiscence
• B. Evisceration
• C. Infection
• D. Hematoma

Answer: (B)

Evisceration is the correct response because it refers specifically to the protrusion of internal organs through a surgical incision or wound, which can occur after a colon resection. The presence of serosanguinous drainage, followed by the appearance of bowel tissue on the skin, is a clear indicator of evisceration. This complication can arise when the surgical incision fails to heal properly, leading to an opening through which the bowel can be seen or may protrude from the body. This scenario distinguishes evisceration from other potential complications. For instance, while dehiscence involves the separation of surgical wound layers, it does not necessarily mean that internal organs have protruded through the skin. Infection may result in drainage but typically does not lead to bowel appearing on the skin. Similarly, a hematoma would involve localized bleeding and swelling rather than the visible presence of bowel, which is characteristic of evisceration.

Evisceration is the correct response because it refers specifically to the protrusion of internal organs through a surgical incision or wound, which can occur after a colon resection. The presence of serosanguinous drainage, followed by the appearance of bowel tissue on the skin, is a clear indicator of evisceration. This complication can arise when the surgical incision fails to heal properly, leading to an opening through which the bowel can be seen or may protrude from the body.

This scenario distinguishes evisceration from other potential complications. For instance, while dehiscence involves the separation of surgical wound layers, it does not necessarily mean that internal organs have protruded through the skin. Infection may result in drainage but typically does not lead to bowel appearing on the skin. Similarly, a hematoma would involve localized bleeding and swelling rather than the visible presence of bowel, which is characteristic of evisceration.