Wound Care Certified Certification (WCC) Practice Exam

What is the term used to describe a pocket of pus under the skin surrounded by inflamed tissue?

1. Cyst

2. Abscess

3. Fistula

4. Hemorrhage

The correct answer is: Abscess

The term that accurately describes a pocket of pus under the skin surrounded by inflamed tissue is an abscess. An abscess forms when bacteria invade a tissue and the body responds with an inflammatory process, leading to the accumulation of pus. This pus is a mixture of dead cells, bacteria, and immune system cells, resulting in a localized infection that creates the characteristic swollen and painful area. In contrast, a cyst is generally a closed sac containing fluid, semi-solid material, or gas, which is not necessarily the result of an infection. A fistula refers to an abnormal connection between two epithelial surfaces, such as between organs or vessels, and does not describe a localized area of pus. Hemorrhage relates to bleeding, whether internal or external, and does not pertain to pus formation or infection. Understanding these distinctions is crucial in wound care management and diagnosis.