Final answer:
Secondary intention wound healing refers to the natural process in which a large or contaminated wound heals open, creating more scar tissue as granulation tissue forms and slowly fills in the wound gap.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a nurse is caring for a client whose wound is healing by secondary intention, it means the wound healing process is one where the wound edges are not close enough to be sealed immediately and requires more time for the tissue to fill in the gap. This occurs through the process of wound contraction where the edges are pulled together. In secondary intention, there is typically more scar formation and the chance of infection may be higher due to the wound being open longer.
This type of healing is usually reserved for wounds that are too large or have been contaminated and cannot be closed with sutures (a condition known as primary union). It involves a more complex repair process that includes the removal of debris, formation of granulation tissue, and eventually the replacement of normal tissues. A significant difference between primary and secondary union is the extent of granulation tissue formation and the time needed for healing.