Wound Care Certified Certification (WCC) Practice Exam

Which phase of wound healing involves inflammatory responses and preparation for healing?

1. Proliferative phase

2. Maturation phase

3. Hemostasis phase

4. Inflammatory phase

The correct answer is: Inflammatory phase

The inflammatory phase is the initial stage of wound healing, crucial for setting the stage for further healing processes. During this phase, the body's immune response is activated, leading to the delivery of necessary components required for repair, such as white blood cells to fight infection and other inflammatory cells that clear debris from the wound site. This phase begins right after the injury occurs and lasts for several days. The primary goals of the inflammatory phase include managing any potential infection and starting the healing process by forming a protective barrier at the wound site. The release of cytokines and growth factors during this phase is vital as it promotes tissue healing and prepares the wound for the subsequent proliferative phase, where new tissue begins to form. Understanding the significance of the inflammatory phase emphasizes its role in ensuring a conducive environment for healing to occur effectively before moving into the next phases of the healing process.