NCWO Skin and Wound Healing 2

Question 1

Moisture-associated skin damage (MASD) can be caused by all of the following EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Mechanical friction from turning

Answer

MASD is caused by prolonged skin exposure to moisture sources such as urine, feces, wound exudate, or perspiration; friction causes mechanical skin injury, not MASD.

Question 2

The skin pH of a healthy adult is approximately:

Accepted Answer

4.5–5.5 (mildly acidic)

Answer

Healthy skin has a mildly acidic surface pH of approximately 4.5–5.5, which inhibits pathogen colonization and supports the skin's resident microbiome.

Question 3

Skin tears are classified by the Payne-Martin or ISTAP classification based on:

Accepted Answer

Presence or absence of a skin flap and its viability

Answer

The ISTAP classification categorizes skin tears based on whether a skin flap is present, whether it can cover the wound base, and whether it is viable, guiding treatment approach.

Question 4

In a patient with suspected skin cancer on the lower extremity presenting as a non-healing wound, the WOC nurse should:

Accepted Answer

Refer for biopsy and dermatology or oncology evaluation

Answer

Any chronic non-healing wound that fails to respond to standard treatment must be referred for tissue biopsy to rule out malignancy, including squamous cell carcinoma (Marjolin's ulcer).

Question 5

Which vitamin is essential for collagen cross-linking and deficiency of which directly impairs wound healing?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin C

Answer

Vitamin C is a required cofactor for prolyl and lysyl hydroxylase enzymes that cross-link collagen fibers; deficiency causes impaired collagen synthesis and poor wound healing (scurvy).

NCWO - National Certified Wound Ostomy Practice Test

NCWO - National Certified Wound Ostomy Practice Test

NCWO Skin and Wound Healing 2