Wound Care Certified Certification (WCC) Practice Exam

What type of wound closure is typically used for surgical incisions?

1. Primary intention

2. Secondary intention

3. Delayed primary intention

4. Wound approximation

The correct answer is: Primary intention

The correct type of wound closure typically used for surgical incisions is primary intention. This method involves directly bringing the edges of a wound together, which is commonly achieved through sutures, staples, or adhesive strips. Primary intention is preferred for surgical incisions because it promotes minimal healing time, reduces the risk of infection, and leads to a more cosmetically acceptable scar since the wound edges are neatly aligned. In surgical procedures, incisions are made under controlled conditions, allowing for the precise closure of the skin layers, which is conducive to healing through primary intention. This method results in healing that occurs from side to side, ultimately allowing for faster recovery and less complication compared to other healing methods. Secondary intention, on the other hand, involves the wound healing from the bottom up and is used for wounds that are left open to heal naturally, which is not typically the case for clean surgical incisions. Delayed primary intention refers to a method where the wound is initially left open for some time before being closed, often used in contaminated wounds or those at risk of infection. Wound approximation is a general term that refers to the action of bringing wound edges together but does not specify the method of closure, making it less precise than primary intention.