An older client who had a colon resection 8 days ago is straining at stool. The practical nurse (PN) observes sudden spillage of serosanguinous drainage from the client's wound followed by appearance of bowel on the skin. Which complication has occurred?

A. Hemorrhage: Hemorrhage involves active bleeding from a surgical site, often characterized by bright red blood and hemodynamic instability. The presence of bowel protruding through the incision indicates a more severe structural complication rather than simple bleeding. B. Dehiscence: Dehiscence refers to partial or total separation of wound layers, often presenting with serosanguinous drainage. However, it does not involve protrusion of internal organs. When the bowel is visible externally, it indicates progression beyond dehiscence. C. Infection: Infection may cause redness, warmth, swelling, and purulent drainage at the surgical site but does not result in the exposure of internal viscera. The sudden appearance of bowel tissue points to a mechanical wound failure, not an infectious process. D. Evisceration: Evisceration is the protrusion of internal organs, such as the bowel, through a surgical incision following wound separation. It is a surgical emergency requiring immediate intervention to cover the exposed organs with a sterile, moist dressing and notify the surgeon promptly.