Wound Care & Healing Flashcards

Keloid scars differ from hypertrophic scars in that keloids:

Answer: Extend beyond the original wound margins

Keloids invade surrounding normal tissue beyond the original wound boundaries, whereas hypertrophic scars remain confined within the wound margins.

Which type of debridement uses the body's own enzymes from wound exudate and moisture-retaining dressings to liquefy necrotic tissue?

Answer: Autolytic debridement

Autolytic debridement relies on endogenous enzymes and moisture to selectively liquefy necrotic tissue and is the slowest but most selective method.

In the PUSH tool (Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing), which three parameters are scored?

Answer: Length x width, exudate amount, and tissue type

The PUSH tool scores wound surface area (length x width), amount of exudate, and wound tissue type to track healing progression.

A venous leg ulcer is most characteristically located:

Answer: On the medial lower leg above the medial malleolus

Venous leg ulcers typically occur on the medial lower leg (gaiter area) above the medial malleolus due to venous hypertension in the medial superficial veins.

Which dressing material is most appropriate for a dry, necrotic eschar on a heel without signs of infection?

Answer: Leave the dry eschar intact as a natural barrier

Dry, stable heel eschar in a non-infected wound should be left intact as it acts as a natural biological cover; debridement increases infection risk.

The process by which wound edges contract and pull together during healing is primarily mediated by:

Answer: Myofibroblasts

Myofibroblasts are differentiated fibroblasts containing alpha-smooth muscle actin that enable wound contraction during the proliferative phase.

Which ankle-brachial index (ABI) value indicates severe arterial insufficiency that contraindicates compression therapy?

Answer: ABI < 0.5

An ABI below 0.5 indicates severe arterial disease; compression therapy is contraindicated as it further reduces blood flow to the affected limb.