Which of the following is considered a major threat to a person with a wound?

Infection is a major threat to a person with a wound because it can significantly impede the healing process and lead to severe complications. When skin is broken, whether from a cut, surgical incision, or another type of injury, it creates an entry point for bacteria and pathogens. If these microorganisms proliferate in or around the wound, they can lead to localized infections, which may manifest as increased redness, swelling, pain, and discharge.

In severe cases, infections can become systemic, leading to conditions such as sepsis, which is a life-threatening response to infection that can affect multiple organ systems. Therefore, preventing infection through proper wound care practices—such as cleaning, dressing changes, and monitoring for signs of infection—is paramount in managing wounds effectively.

While incontinence, edema, and confusion can pose challenges in wound care, they do not directly compromise the integrity of the wound itself or introduce pathogens the way an infection does. This distinction underscores why infection is prioritized as a critical concern in the context of wound management.