Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN) Practice Exam

What can be assessed regarding wound edges?

1. Whether they are completely closed

2. The color of the tissue around the wound

3. Presence of drainage in the wound bed

4. The size of the granulation tissue

The correct answer is: Whether they are completely closed

The assessment of wound edges is crucial in evaluating the healing process and the overall status of the wound. When assessing whether the wound edges are completely closed, it indicates several key factors about wound healing: - **Closure Assessment**: Closed wound edges generally suggest that the healing is progressing well, and there is minimal risk of infection or complications. When the edges are approximated, it shows that the body is successfully forming new tissue and that healing mechanisms are functioning appropriately. - **Implications for Healing**: If the edges are not completely closed, this may indicate ongoing issues with healing, such as the need for further intervention, possible infection, or underlying conditions impacting the patient's ability to heal. - **Wound Management**: Understanding the status of wound edges helps in planning appropriate wound care strategies. For example, if the edges are not closed, it may necessitate interventions such as dressing changes, debridement, or referral to a specialist. In contrast, other aspects such as the color of the tissue, presence of drainage, and the size of granulation tissue are also important in wound assessment but do not directly address the closure of the wound edges as a primary indicator of the healing process.