What is a hematoma?

• A. A type of tumor
• B. A collection of blood outside a blood vessel
• C. An infection in the bloodstream
• D. A blood clot within a vessel

Answer: (B)

A hematoma is referred to as a collection of blood that accumulates outside of a blood vessel. This occurs typically due to the rupture of blood vessels, which can happen as a result of trauma or surgical procedures. When blood leaks into the surrounding tissues, it forms a localized swelling filled with blood, which is the hematoma itself.

Understanding the nature of a hematoma is crucial for surgical professionals, as its presence can affect healing and may require intervention to drain or manage the accumulation of blood. The other options describe different medical conditions or processes, but only the identification of a hematoma as a collection of blood outside a blood vessel accurately captures its definition and significance in a clinical context.