Wound Care Certified Certification (WCC) Practice Exam

Which of the following MUST you include when documenting the assessment of a surgical incision?

1. Status of incision line and status of healing ridge

2. Post-operative pain levels

3. Patient's mobilization status

4. Type of surgical procedure performed

The correct answer is: Status of incision line and status of healing ridge

When documenting the assessment of a surgical incision, it is imperative to include the status of the incision line and the status of the healing ridge. This information provides critical insights into the healing process of the incision. The incision line's appearance can indicate whether there are signs of infection, dehiscence, or other complications, while the presence and quality of a healing ridge signify proper healing and tissue reformation. In the context of wound care, specifically regarding surgical incisions, this documentation is essential for determining how well the surgical site is healing and for planning future interventions. Accurate records of the incision line and healing ridge aid in evaluating if the wound is progressing as expected and help guide clinical decisions moving forward. While post-operative pain levels, patient mobility status, and the type of surgical procedure performed are important aspects of overall patient care, they do not relate directly to the specific assessment of the surgical incision itself, which is the focus of this question. Thus, documenting the physical condition of the incision line and healing ridge is paramount in wound care management.