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

What adverse change occurs in the skin with lipodermatosclerosis?

1. Increased elasticity

2. Hardening of fat and dermal tissue

3. Thinning of the skin

4. Color fading

The correct answer is: Hardening of fat and dermal tissue

In lipodermatosclerosis, the primary adverse change that occurs in the skin is the hardening of fat and dermal tissue. This condition is characterized by inflammation and fibrosis in the subcutaneous fat and dermis, leading to a firm and sometimes indurated appearance of the skin and underlying tissues. This hardening is a result of chronic venous insufficiency, which causes fluid accumulation and subsequent tissue damage and remodeling. The process involves an increase in collagen deposition, inflammation, and changes in the fat cells themselves, which ultimately results in the notable rigidity of the affected tissues. Understanding this process is crucial for healthcare professionals, as it emphasizes the importance of managing underlying conditions, such as venous disease, to prevent further tissue changes. The other options do not accurately reflect the changes seen in lipodermatosclerosis. For instance, increased elasticity would suggest a healthier and more flexible skin condition, which is contrary to the hardening effect seen in this disorder. Similarly, thinning of the skin would indicate a loss of tissue rather than the fibrotic hardening that actually occurs. Color fading could occur in other skin conditions but is not a defining characteristic of lipodermatosclerosis either. Therefore, the choice that accurately describes the adverse change in the