Which of the following is a potential sign of a poorly healed surgical incision?

A potential sign of a poorly healed surgical incision is the presence of signs of infection. When a surgical incision is healing properly, it typically exhibits characteristics such as minimal redness, no excessive swelling, and an absence of pus or other drainage beyond what is considered normal. Signs of infection can include increased redness, warmth around the incision site, swelling, and particularly the presence of purulent (pus) drainage, which may also be accompanied by fever and increased pain at the site.

The presence of infection can seriously compromise the healing process and may lead to complications such as abscess formation or surgical site infections, which can require further interventions. Monitoring for these signs is essential to ensure timely medical intervention and to promote appropriate recovery.