Wound Care Certified Certification (WCC) Practice Exam

Wounds closed by tertiary intention allow for what?

1. Immediate closure

2. Healing without intervention

3. Time for infection to resolve

4. Minimization of scarring

The correct answer is: Time for infection to resolve

When discussing wounds closed by tertiary intention, it is important to recognize the unique characteristics of this healing method. Tertiary intention closure, also known as delayed primary closure, is utilized for wounds that may initially be contaminated or at an increased risk of infection. In this scenario, leaving the wound open allows time for any potential infection to resolve before the wound is surgically closed. This approach is particularly beneficial because it reduces the likelihood of complications associated with infection, promoting a safer healing environment. After the inflammation subsides and the infection risk is assessed to be low, the wound can then be carefully closed, optimizing healing outcomes. In contrast, immediate closure involves stitching up a wound right away, which is typically not advisable when there is a risk of infection. Healing without intervention does not apply here, as tertiary intention specifically requires monitoring and intervention later. While minimizing scarring can be an indirect effect of proper wound management, it is not the primary goal of tertiary intention closure. Therefore, the correct understanding centers around allowing time for any infection to resolve before moving forward with closure.