Wound Care Certified Certification (WCC) Practice Exam

What term is used to describe wound edges when there is evidence of undermining?

1. Defined

2. Unattached

3. Flush

4. Neither attached nor unattached

The correct answer is: Unattached

The term that describes wound edges when there is evidence of undermining is "unattached." When a wound exhibits undermining, it means that the tissue directly under the wound edges is not adhering properly to the underlying tissue. This creates a pocket or space beneath the wound edges, leading them to be described as unattached. Unattached edges indicate that the tissue may have deteriorated or is not healthy enough to maintain proper adherence, which is crucial for healing. Recognizing these characteristics is important for effective wound assessment and management, as they can significantly influence treatment decisions and healing outcomes. In contrast, the other terms do not accurately represent the situation of undermining. For instance, "defined" suggests that the wound edges are well-preserved and have a clear delineation, which is not the case with undermining. "Flush" implies that the edges are aligned with the surrounding tissue, and "neither attached nor unattached" presents ambiguous terminology that does not convey the specific condition of the wound edges. Each of these aspects highlights the importance of recognizing the presence of undermining in wound evaluation.