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

A complex fistula may involve which of the following?

1. only skin

2. direct tract to skin

3. abscess and other organ involvement

4. none of the above

The correct answer is: abscess and other organ involvement

A complex fistula is typically characterized by its involvement with additional structures beyond the skin, indicating a more extensive network than simple superficial connections. This can include connections to adjacent or distant organs and the presence of an abscess. When one describes a complex fistula, it often means that there is not just a straightforward passage from one organ to the skin but rather a situation where an abscess may form, and there could be involvement of other anatomical structures within the body, complicating both diagnosis and treatment. In this context, the proper understanding of a complex fistula's implications emphasizes how it can lead to significant clinical concerns due to the interaction with various tissues or organs, necessitating a comprehensive treatment strategy, which would not apply to simpler forms of fistulas involving only the skin or direct tracts.