Wound Care Certified Certification (WCC) Practice Exam

A neuropathic diabetic foot ulcer is MOST likely to occur at which site?

1. Heel of the foot

2. Plantar aspect of foot

3. Dorsal surface of the foot

4. Toes

The correct answer is: Plantar aspect of foot

Neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers primarily arise due to the effects of peripheral neuropathy associated with diabetes. This condition diminishes sensation in the feet, leading to an increased risk of injuries and subsequent ulceration due to repetitive pressure or trauma. The plantar aspect of the foot is particularly susceptible because this is where a significant portion of the weight-bearing occurs during standing and walking. As a result, areas like the metatarsal heads and the heel are often under continuous stress and can develop high-pressure points, which are exacerbated when combined with loss of sensation. Without protective feedback from feeling, very minor injuries can go unnoticed, leading to deeper tissue damage and ulceration. In contrast, while ulcers can occur in various locations, the heel, dorsal surface, and toes are less common sites for neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers. The heel is more often affected by pressure sores, especially in individuals with decreased mobility. The dorsal surface is less frequently exposed to the pressure that tends to cause ulcers compared to the plantar aspect. The toes, although they can experience issues like calluses or infections, typically do so under different conditions (like rubbing against shoes), and neuropathic ulcers are less likely to occur directly on them compared to the plantar area. Thus,