Question

A 24-year old client who has diabetes mellitus accidentally cut herself while preparing dinner and has sustained a large laceration on her left wrist. After the laceration is sutured, the client asks the nurse, "How long will it take for my scars to disappear?" Which statement is the nurse's best response?
A) "The contraction phase of wound healing can take 2 to 3 years."
B) "With your history and the type and location of your injury, it's hard to say."
C) "Wound healing is very individual but the scar should fade within 4 months."
D) "If you don't develop an infection, the wound should heal in 1 to 3 years."

Answer 1

With your history and the type and location of your injury, it's hard to say.

Diabetes mellitus damages nerves, which can slow down healing. The time for the healing of the laceration would depend on how deep the cut was.