Wound Care Certified Certification (WCC) Practice Exam

What is considered a covert sign of a local infection?

1. Increased exudate

2. Edema surrounding the wound

3. Hypergranulation tissue

4. Pain with palpation

The correct answer is: Hypergranulation tissue

Hypergranulation tissue is considered a covert sign of a local infection because it indicates an abnormal wound healing response. In healthy wound healing, granulation tissue forms as a part of tissue repair, providing a framework for new tissue to grow. However, when an infection is present, the inflammatory response can become exaggerated, leading to the formation of excess granulation tissue. This overproduction can obscure other signs of infection and may not present with the typical symptoms like pain or redness, making it a more subtle indicator that warrants further investigation regarding the wound's status. In contrast, increased exudate, edema surrounding the wound, and pain with palpation are more overt signs that typically indicate infection, as they are often accompanied by more pronounced symptoms and observable changes. Therefore, recognizing hypergranulation as a covert sign can be critical for prompt intervention and management of a potential infection.