Wound Care Certified Certification (WCC) Practice Exam

Why is the maturation phase of wound healing critical?

1. It initiates inflammation

2. It strengthens the newly formed tissue

3. It creates granulation tissue

4. It signals the end of healing

The correct answer is: It strengthens the newly formed tissue

The maturation phase of wound healing is critical primarily because it serves to strengthen the newly formed tissue. During this phase, which follows the inflammatory and proliferative phases, the wound undergoes a significant remodeling process. Collagen fibers that have been laid down in the previous stages are reorganized, cross-linked, and become more orderly. This restructuring increases the tensile strength of the tissue, allowing it to better withstand stress and pressure. As the new tissue matures, it becomes more functional and durable, providing better support and restoring the full integrity of the skin or other affected tissues. This phase can last for several months to years depending on the severity of the wound and individual healing factors. While inflammation, granulation tissue formation, and the signaling of the end of healing are important aspects of wound healing, they occur in earlier or different phases of the overall healing process and do not contribute as directly to the strength and integrity of the newly formed tissue as the maturation phase does.