NCWO Skin and Wound Healing 3

Question 1

Biofilm in a chronic wound is best characterized as:

Accepted Answer

A structured polymicrobial community encased in a protective extracellular matrix

Answer

Biofilm is an organized polymicrobial community encased in a self-produced extracellular polysaccharide matrix, conferring high resistance to antibiotics and host immune defenses.

Question 2

Primary intention wound healing occurs when:

Accepted Answer

Wound edges are approximated (closed) with sutures, staples, or adhesive strips

Answer

Primary intention healing involves direct approximation of wound edges with closure materials, resulting in minimal scarring and the fastest healing trajectory.

Question 3

The role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in chronic wound healing is:

Accepted Answer

Elevated MMPs in chronic wounds degrade growth factors and extracellular matrix, stalling healing

Answer

Chronically elevated MMPs in non-healing wound fluid degrade not only necrotic tissue but also growth factors, receptors, and newly formed extracellular matrix, perpetuating the wound's failure to progress.

Question 4

A patient develops a painful nodular wound at the site of an old surgical incision. Histology shows dermal deposits of calcium. This condition is:

Accepted Answer

Calciphylaxis

Answer

Calciphylaxis is a rare, severe condition characterized by calcification of small blood vessels and dermal tissues, causing painful ischemic wounds, most often seen in patients with end-stage renal disease.

Question 5

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is important to recognize because treatment with which common wound therapy worsens the condition through pathergy?

Accepted Answer

Sharp surgical debridement

Answer

Pyoderma gangrenosum exhibits pathergy—trauma including sharp debridement triggers new ulceration—so surgical debridement is contraindicated and can dramatically worsen the wound.

NCWO - National Certified Wound Ostomy Practice Test

NCWO - National Certified Wound Ostomy Practice Test

NCWO Skin and Wound Healing 3