Wound Care Certification Systemic Factors Affecting Healing Flashcards
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A patient with a chronic venous ulcer has been on long-term, high-dose corticosteroid therapy for an autoimmune condition. Which phase of wound healing is MOST significantly impaired by this medication?
Answer: Inflammatory phase
Corticosteroids are potent anti-inflammatory agents that suppress the initial inflammatory response crucial for healing. They inhibit the migration and function of key immune cells like neutrophils and macrophages, which are essential for clearing debris and signaling the start of the repair process.
An 82-year-old resident of a long-term care facility has a non-healing pressure injury. A nutritional assessment reveals a low pre-albumin level and inadequate protein consumption. A deficiency in protein will primarily disrupt which aspect of wound healing?
Answer: Angiogenesis and collagen synthesis
Protein and its constituent amino acids are the fundamental building blocks for new tissue. They are essential for fibroblast proliferation, the synthesis of collagen (the primary structural protein in the wound matrix), and angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels).
A 65-year-old patient with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus (HbA1c of 10.5%) presents with a full-thickness wound on their lower leg. All of the following are mechanisms by which hyperglycemia directly impairs wound healing EXCEPT:
Answer: Enhanced fibroblast proliferation
Hyperglycemia impairs, rather than enhances, fibroblast function. High glucose levels reduce fibroblast proliferation and their ability to synthesize collagen, leading to a weaker and poorly formed wound matrix. The other options are all known negative effects of hyperglycemia on healing.
Which of the following is the primary mechanism by which smoking systemically impairs wound healing?
Answer: Reducing oxygen-carrying capacity and causing vasoconstriction
Nicotine is a potent vasoconstrictor, which reduces blood flow and perfusion to the wound. Additionally, carbon monoxide from smoke binds to hemoglobin with a much higher affinity than oxygen, reducing the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity and leading to tissue hypoxia, which is detrimental to all phases of healing.
A clinician is developing a plan of care for a non-healing wound on an elderly patient. Which age-related physiological change is a key systemic factor that contributes to delayed wound repair?
Answer: Reduced collagen synthesis and fibroblast activity
With advanced age, there is a natural decline in the number and activity of fibroblasts. This leads to decreased and disorganized collagen synthesis, resulting in a slower rate of healing and reduced tensile strength of the repaired tissue. The inflammatory response is often delayed and prolonged in older adults.
A 45-year-old patient undergoing a stressful divorce has a surgical wound that is showing signs of delayed healing. The elevation of which hormone, associated with chronic psychological stress, is known to suppress the immune system and impair wound repair?
Answer: Cortisol
Chronic psychological stress leads to prolonged elevation of cortisol levels. Cortisol, a glucocorticoid, suppresses the inflammatory response, inhibits the function of immune cells, and impairs overall immune function, all of which are detrimental to efficient wound healing.