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How many hours does it typically take for a normally healing surgical incision to be fully re-epithelialized?
24 hours
48 hours
72 hours
96 hours
The correct answer is: 48 hours
A normally healing surgical incision typically undergoes re-epithelialization within a timeframe of 48 hours. During this period, the epithelial cells migrate across the wound surface, filling in the defect and restoring the integrity of the skin. This process is vital for protecting the underlying tissues from pathogens and preventing fluid loss. In the case of surgical wounds, the edges are usually well approximated, which facilitates a quicker healing response compared to other types of wounds. While individual healing times can vary based on factors such as the patient's health, age, and the complexity of the surgical procedure, 48 hours is considered a standard timeframe for the initial re-epithelialization phase to occur. The other timeframes provided do not accurately represent the typical duration for re-epithelialization for surgical wounds. For instance, 24 hours may not allow enough time for adequate migration of epithelial cells, while 72 and 96 hours may imply a delay that could suggest potential complications, such as infection or insufficient healing response.