DPM Wound Care & Management 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which growth factor is primarily responsible for stimulating fibroblast proliferation and angiogenesis in diabetic foot wound healing?
- Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) (Correct answer)
- Transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-α)
- Insulin-like growth factor-2 (IGF-2)
- Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ)
Correct answer: Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)
PDGF is the primary growth factor approved (becaplermin/Regranex) for stimulating fibroblast proliferation and angiogenesis in diabetic neuropathic foot ulcers.
Question 2: A chronic wound with 100% yellow slough and no granulation tissue is best classified using the PUSH tool as having which tissue type score?
- 0
- 1
- 2 (Correct answer)
- 3
Correct answer: 2
In the PUSH (Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing) tool, slough tissue scores 2, while necrotic/eschar scores 3, granulation scores 1, and closed/resurfaced scores 0.
Question 3: When performing a wound culture on a diabetic foot ulcer, which technique yields the most clinically relevant microbiological data?
- Surface swab of the wound bed
- Quantitative tissue biopsy (Correct answer)
- Wound fluid aspiration
- Peri-wound skin swab
Correct answer: Quantitative tissue biopsy
Quantitative tissue biopsy is the gold standard for wound culture, as surface swabs commonly reflect surface colonizers rather than true tissue pathogens.
Question 4: A patient presents with a venous leg ulcer covered in fibrinous slough. Which debridement method is most appropriate if the patient cannot tolerate pain?
- Sharp surgical debridement
- Enzymatic debridement with collagenase
- Autolytic debridement with a hydrogel (Correct answer)
- Mechanical wet-to-dry gauze debridement
Correct answer: Autolytic debridement with a hydrogel
Autolytic debridement using moisture-retentive dressings like hydrogels is painless and well-tolerated, making it ideal for pain-sensitive patients.
Question 5: Which ankle-brachial index (ABI) range indicates moderate peripheral arterial disease (PAD) that may still permit cautious compression therapy?
- ABI > 1.3
- ABI 0.8–1.0
- ABI 0.5–0.79 (Correct answer)
- ABI < 0.4
Correct answer: ABI 0.5–0.79
An ABI of 0.5–0.79 indicates moderate PAD; reduced compression (e.g., 20–30 mmHg) may be used cautiously with close monitoring.
Question 6: Which type of wound dressing actively donates moisture to a dry, desiccated wound bed?
- Calcium alginate
- Hydrogel sheet (Correct answer)
- Foam dressing
- Hydrofiber dressing
Correct answer: Hydrogel sheet
Hydrogel sheets contain up to 90% water and actively donate moisture to dry, desiccated wounds, promoting autolytic debridement.
Question 7: In the TIME wound assessment framework, what does the 'I' stand for?
- Infection or Inflammation (Correct answer)
- Ischemia or Irrigation
- Innervation deficit
- Induration assessment
Correct answer: Infection or Inflammation
In the TIME framework (Tissue, Infection/Inflammation, Moisture, Edge), 'I' refers to Infection or Inflammation management.
DPM Wound Care & Management 2
Which growth factor is primarily responsible for stimulating fibroblast proliferation and angiogenesis in diabetic foot wound healing?