Which best describes the term 'dehisced' in relation to surgical wounds?

The term 'dehisced' specifically refers to a situation where the edges of a surgical wound have separated after it has been closed. This separation can occur due to various reasons, such as infection, inadequate blood supply, or mechanical stress on the wound. In the context of surgical care, recognizing dehiscence is critical, as it can lead to complications such as delayed healing or increased risk of infection.

The other choices describe different scenarios regarding wound healing. For instance, stating that a wound has healed appropriately implies full closure and recovery, which is contrary to the meaning of dehiscence. Similarly, a wound being infected indicates a specific complication that might contribute to dehiscence but isn't synonymous with the term. Lastly, the notion of a wound closure being intact presents an opposite condition, as it suggests a fully healed and non-separated wound, which again does not align with the definition of 'dehisced.' Thus, understanding dehiscence as the separation of wound edges is crucial for proper assessment and management in clinical practice.