A bluish discoloration of the skin due to bleeding into the subcutaneous tissues is called what?

Study for the NATA BOC Domain 2 Clinical Evaluation and Diagnosis Test. Utilize our comprehensive flashcards and multiple-choice quiz features; each question comes with hints and thorough explanations. Prepare effectively for your certification exam!

Multiple Choice

A bluish discoloration of the skin due to bleeding into the subcutaneous tissues is called what?

Explanation:
Ecchymosis is the term for a bruise—the bluish discoloration that appears when blood leaks into the subcutaneous tissues and collects under the skin. This type of bleeding produces a flat, larger area of color, distinguishing it from smaller hemorrhages like petechiae (tiny pinpoint spots) and purpura (slightly larger spots). A hematoma is a different situation altogether: a localized collection of blood within a tissue that often swells rather than just showing a flat discoloration. The blue hue comes from deoxygenated blood and the breakdown of hemoglobin, with the color changing as healing progresses (blue/purple to green to yellowish as the blood is reabsorbed).

Ecchymosis is the term for a bruise—the bluish discoloration that appears when blood leaks into the subcutaneous tissues and collects under the skin. This type of bleeding produces a flat, larger area of color, distinguishing it from smaller hemorrhages like petechiae (tiny pinpoint spots) and purpura (slightly larger spots). A hematoma is a different situation altogether: a localized collection of blood within a tissue that often swells rather than just showing a flat discoloration. The blue hue comes from deoxygenated blood and the breakdown of hemoglobin, with the color changing as healing progresses (blue/purple to green to yellowish as the blood is reabsorbed).

Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy