Wound Care Flashcards

Which clinical sign BEST differentiates critical colonization from biofilm-associated wound infection?

Answer: Increased pain and friable granulation tissue

Critical colonization and biofilm often present with subtle signs like increased pain, friable or hypergranulation tissue, and stalled healing rather than classic systemic infection signs.

A wound with undermining is BEST described as tissue destruction that extends:

Answer: Under the wound edges in a closed pocket

Undermining refers to tissue destruction beneath intact skin at the wound margins, creating a closed pocket that requires probing to assess.

Which topical agent is CONTRAINDICATED for long-term use in chronic wounds due to cytotoxicity to fibroblasts?

Answer: Povidone-iodine

Povidone-iodine is cytotoxic to fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and leukocytes, impairing wound healing when used chronically.

What is the Braden Scale used to assess?

Answer: Pressure injury risk in hospitalized patients

The Braden Scale assesses pressure injury risk using six subscales: sensory perception, moisture, activity, mobility, nutrition, and friction/shear.

When using the Wagner grading system for diabetic foot ulcers, a grade 3 ulcer is characterized by:

Answer: Deep ulcer with abscess or osteomyelitis

Wagner grade 3 denotes a deep ulcer complicated by abscess, osteomyelitis, or tendon/capsule involvement requiring aggressive treatment.

Which phase of wound healing is characterized by collagen remodeling and scar maturation lasting up to 2 years?

Answer: Remodeling phase

The remodeling (maturation) phase involves type III collagen replacement by type I collagen and scar tissue reorganization, occurring from weeks to up to 2 years post-injury.

A wound measuring 6 cm × 4 cm last week now measures 4 cm × 3 cm. What percentage of wound area reduction occurred?

Answer: 50%

Original area = 24 cm²; new area = 12 cm²; reduction = (24-12)/24 × 100 = 50% area reduction.