Wound Care Certified Certification (WCC) Practice Exam

In what sequence do the phases of wound healing normally progress?

1. Inflammatory, maturation, proliferative

2. Maturation, hemostasis, inflammatory

3. Hemostasis, inflammatory, proliferative

4. Proliferative, inflammatory, maturation

The correct answer is: Hemostasis, inflammatory, proliferative

The phases of wound healing typically progress in a specific sequence that reflects the body's physiological response to tissue injury. The correct sequence begins with hemostasis, which is the initial phase where the body responds to bleeding by constricting blood vessels and forming a clot to stop the bleeding. This is quickly followed by the inflammatory phase, where the body sends immune cells to the wound site to prevent infection and begin the healing process. The next phase is the proliferative phase, during which new tissue, including collagen and connective tissue, is formed to replace the damaged tissue. This phase is crucial for restoring the integrity of the skin or other tissues involved. Finally, the maturation phase occurs, where the new tissue undergoes remodeling and maturation to become stronger and more functional. This phase can take weeks to months, as the wound continues to improve and the collagen fibers reorganize. Understanding this sequence is essential for effective wound care and management, as interventions are often tailored to the specific phase a wound is in to promote healing.