Wound Care Certified Certification (WCC) Practice Exam

A wound has yellow, moist, stringy tissue present. What type of tissue does this describe?

1. Granulation tissue

2. Slough tissue

3. Eschar

4. Necrotic tissue

The correct answer is: Slough tissue

The presence of yellow, moist, stringy tissue in a wound is indicative of slough tissue. Slough is typically composed of dead cells, bacteria, and tissue debris, and it often appears as a yellow or cream-colored substance that is soft and can be easily removed, though it may sometimes be adherent to the wound bed. Understanding slough is crucial in wound assessment because it can impede healing and indicates ongoing tissue breakdown. The moist and stringy quality of slough allows for differential diagnosis, distinguishing it from other types of tissue, like granulation tissue, which is usually red, healthy, and has a beefy appearance, indicating a healing process. Eschar, on the other hand, refers to dry, black, or brown necrotic tissue, which is not stringy and indicates a more severe level of tissue death. Necrotic tissue is a broader category that may include both slough and eschar but is not specific to the stringy, yellow appearance described. Thus, identifying slough correctly allows healthcare providers to implement appropriate interventions for wound healing and management.