Certified Wound Specialist Flashcards

Which growth factor plays a primary role in stimulating angiogenesis during wound healing?

Answer: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)

VEGF is the principal mediator of angiogenesis, promoting new blood vessel formation essential for granulation tissue development.

A patient with a wound on the dorsum of the foot has an ABI of 0.55. Which treatment is most appropriate?

Answer: Refer for vascular surgery evaluation

An ABI of 0.55 indicates severe arterial insufficiency, warranting vascular surgery referral before any wound treatment is undertaken.

Which type of collagen predominates in a mature scar after remodeling is complete?

Answer: Type I collagen

Type I collagen replaces the type III collagen of early granulation tissue during remodeling, forming the stronger, organized structure of mature scar.

Which dressing is most appropriate for a heavily exudating venous leg ulcer?

Answer: Alginate dressing

Alginate dressings have high absorptive capacity, making them ideal for heavily exudating wounds like venous ulcers.

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

Answer: Wound area, tissue type, and exudate amount

The PUSH tool scores wound surface area, exudate amount, and tissue type to track pressure injury healing over time.

A patient develops wound dehiscence 8 days post-abdominal surgery. Which factor most likely contributed?

Answer: Wound infection with bacterial burden >10^5 CFU/g

A bacterial burden exceeding 10^5 CFU/g is associated with impaired healing, increased matrix metalloprotease activity, and wound breakdown including dehiscence.

Which systemic medication most significantly impairs all phases of wound healing?

Answer: Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids suppress inflammation, fibroblast proliferation, and collagen synthesis, impairing all phases of wound healing.