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

How is infection in a wound defined in terms of bacterial load?

1. Less than 10^4 org/ml

2. Between 10^4 and 10^5 org/ml

3. More than 10^5 org/ml

4. No specific cutoff

The correct answer is: More than 10^5 org/ml

Infection in a wound is characterized by a bacterial load that exceeds a specific threshold, which is typically defined as more than 10^5 organisms per milliliter (org/ml). This threshold is important in clinical practice because it indicates a level of bacterial presence that can lead to tissue damage and hinder the healing process. When the bacterial load is above this level, it is considered that the wound has become infected, as the body's ability to control and manage these organisms is compromised, leading to an increased risk of inflammation, purulent drainage, and potential systemic complications. In contexts where the bacterial count is lower, such as less than 10^4 org/ml or between 10^4 and 10^5 org/ml, the wound may still be contaminated, but it does not typically meet the criteria for infection. This distinction is crucial for wound management and treatment decisions in the clinical setting. Understanding these thresholds helps healthcare professionals assess the severity of the wound and implement appropriate interventions, such as debridement or antibiotic therapy, when necessary.