In which area of a surgical suture is tension most likely to lead to complications during postoperative healing?
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✓ Correct answer: A. Wound edgesThe wound edges are often subjected to significant tension, especially if the sutures are tight. This can lead to complications such as ischemia, where restricted blood flow can slow healing or cause tissue necrosis, and dehiscence, which is the reopening of the wound. The suture knot and middle of the suture loop generally do not experience as much direct tension in terms of compromising the tissue, while the suture tail is not involved in the closure tension.
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