CWS Certified Wound Specialist 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which growth factor plays a primary role in stimulating angiogenesis during wound healing?
- Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (Correct answer)
- Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β)
- Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)
- Epidermal growth factor (EGF)
Correct answer: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)
VEGF is the principal mediator of angiogenesis, promoting new blood vessel formation essential for granulation tissue development.
Question 2: A patient with a wound on the dorsum of the foot has an ABI of 0.55. Which treatment is most appropriate?
- Apply a compression bandage at 40 mmHg
- Refer for vascular surgery evaluation (Correct answer)
- Initiate sharp debridement immediately
- Begin total contact casting
Correct answer: Refer for vascular surgery evaluation
An ABI of 0.55 indicates severe arterial insufficiency, warranting vascular surgery referral before any wound treatment is undertaken.
Question 3: Which type of collagen predominates in a mature scar after remodeling is complete?
- Type III collagen
- Type IV collagen
- Type I collagen (Correct answer)
- Type V collagen
Correct answer: Type I collagen
Type I collagen replaces the type III collagen of early granulation tissue during remodeling, forming the stronger, organized structure of mature scar.
Question 4: Which dressing is most appropriate for a heavily exudating venous leg ulcer?
- Transparent film dressing
- Alginate dressing (Correct answer)
- Hydrocolloid dressing
- Petrolatum gauze
Correct answer: Alginate dressing
Alginate dressings have high absorptive capacity, making them ideal for heavily exudating wounds like venous ulcers.
Question 5: In the PUSH tool (Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing), which three parameters are scored?
- Wound area, tissue type, and exudate amount (Correct answer)
- Wound depth, periwound condition, and odor
- Wound area, undermining, and pain level
- Exudate amount, wound color, and wound edges
Correct answer: Wound area, tissue type, and exudate amount
The PUSH tool scores wound surface area, exudate amount, and tissue type to track pressure injury healing over time.
Question 6: A patient develops wound dehiscence 8 days post-abdominal surgery. Which factor most likely contributed?
- Excessive vitamin C intake
- Wound infection with bacterial burden >10^5 CFU/g (Correct answer)
- Early ambulation on post-op day 2
- Use of absorbable sutures
Correct answer: Wound infection with bacterial burden >10^5 CFU/g
A bacterial burden exceeding 10^5 CFU/g is associated with impaired healing, increased matrix metalloprotease activity, and wound breakdown including dehiscence.
Question 7: Which systemic medication most significantly impairs all phases of wound healing?
- Metformin
- Corticosteroids (Correct answer)
- Aspirin
- Lisinopril
Correct answer: Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids suppress inflammation, fibroblast proliferation, and collagen synthesis, impairing all phases of wound healing.
CWS Certified Wound Specialist 2
Which growth factor plays a primary role in stimulating angiogenesis during wound healing?