Final answer:
Continued smoking impairs wound healing due to decreased blood flow, increased infection risk, and delayed tissue repair, all contributing to poor post-surgical outcomes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Continued smoking will impair wound healing following a surgical procedure due to multiple factors. Smoking leads to decreased blood flow to the wound site due to the narrowing and weakening of blood vessels and an increase in blood clotting substances. There is also an increased risk of infection because smoking can result in higher glucose concentrations for longer durations, thereby providing an environment conducive to microorganism growth. Moreover, smoking leads to delayed tissue repair, as shown in studies where stress and smoking impair immune responses critical for wound repair. Additionally, the influx of substances such as carbon monoxide and other toxins from smoking can reduce the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood, further compromising healing.