Wound Care Certified Certification (WCC) Practice Exam

Which phase of wound healing is characterized by the rebuilding of tissue?

1. Inflammatory phase

2. Proliferative phase

3. Maturation phase

4. Early healing phase

The correct answer is: Proliferative phase

The phase characterized by the rebuilding of tissue is the proliferative phase. This stage occurs after the inflammatory phase and is crucial for wound healing. During the proliferative phase, the body focuses on tissue formation and closure of the wound. Key activities during this phase include angiogenesis, which is the formation of new blood vessels, and fibroplasia, where fibroblasts produce collagen and extracellular matrix, helping to rebuild and provide structure to the tissue. Additionally, epithelial cells migrate across the wound bed to restore the skin barrier. This phase typically lasts from a few days to several weeks, depending on the wound's severity and individual healing factors. Understanding the distinct functions of each phase is essential for effective wound management. The inflammatory phase lays the groundwork for healing by cleaning the wound of debris and pathogens, while the maturation phase follows the proliferative phase, where the new tissue strengthens and matures over time. Options related to early healing or inflammation do not specifically denote the active rebuilding and regeneration of tissue seen in the proliferative phase.