Wound Care Certified Certification (WCC) Practice Exam

What factor present in chronic wounds can delay or stop the healing process?

1. Initial acute bleeding event

2. Stable eschar

3. Inadequate moisture

4. No initial acute bleeding event

The correct answer is: No initial acute bleeding event

Chronic wounds often struggle to heal due to various factors that disrupt the complex healing process. One significant factor is the absence of an initial acute bleeding event, which is typically part of the normal healing process. Acute bleeding initiates hemostasis, followed by inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling phases. Without this initial step, the healing cascade may be interrupted, leading to prolonged inflammation and preventing the wound from progressing toward closure. In addition, the absence of bleeding can signify a lack of appropriate signaling mechanisms necessary for healing, such as the recruitment of inflammatory cells that play a vital role in clearing debris and bacteria, thus facilitating the formation of granulation tissue. This continuous inflammatory process can lead to a chronic wound state, making it significantly harder for the body to heal. It's important to note that stable eschar and inadequate moisture can also contribute to impaired healing, but these factors are often more readily addressed through wound care interventions. A stable eschar could be kept in place if it is non-necrotic and aids in protection and moisture retention. Inadequate moisture is a modifiable factor; wound care strategies can enhance moisture balance to promote healing. However, the absence of an initial acute bleeding event represents a fundamental disruption in the normal healing process, leading