Which of the following is NOT a complication of open abdominal wounds?

Fluid retention is not typically considered a direct complication of open abdominal wounds. In the context of trauma, open abdominal wounds can lead to immediate and critical complications that are more directly related to the injury itself.

Complications such as internal hemorrhage occur due to damaged blood vessels or organs, leading to significant blood loss and potential shock. Infections are also a major concern with open wounds because the exposure of internal organs to the external environment increases the risk of bacterial contamination. Similarly, increased risk of hypothermia can arise due to shock or exposure, as the body may lose heat more rapidly when there is an open wound.

In contrast, while fluid retention may occur for various reasons in patients with different medical conditions, it is not a primary complication associated with the trauma of open abdominal wounds. The body tends to lose fluids in the initial stages of trauma instead of retaining them, making fluid retention an unlikely complication in this specific context.