Wound Care Certified Certification (WCC) Practice Exam

How soon after surgery does epithelial resurfacing of the incision typically occur?

1. Within 24 hours

2. Within 2-3 days

3. Within 1 week

4. Within 10 days

The correct answer is: Within 2-3 days

Epithelial resurfacing of a surgical incision is an important process in wound healing, indicating the initial steps toward closure and healing of the skin. Typically, this resurfacing begins to occur within 2 to 3 days post-surgery. During this timeframe, epithelial cells migrate across the wound bed, covering the area that was once open. Epithelialization is crucial because it serves as the first line of defense against infection and fluid loss while also providing a more stable surface for the underlying tissue to heal. The 2 to 3 days post-operative window aligns with the natural wound healing stages, specifically the inflammatory phase transitioning into the proliferative phase, where epithelial cells begin to proliferate and migrate. Timeframes shorter than 2 days would not allow sufficient time for the inflammatory response to initiate epithelial migration effectively. Similarly, while the wound may continue to heal over 1 week or 10 days, the prominent initial resurfacing typically completes within the 2 to 3-day window. Understanding this timeline is crucial for providing appropriate post-operative care and for anticipating healing progress during follow-up assessments.