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

What defines a refractory wound?

1. Wound that heals rapidly

2. Wound with external infection

3. Wound that shows no progress for 2 weeks

4. Wound requiring only topical treatment

The correct answer is: Wound that shows no progress for 2 weeks

A refractory wound is characterized by a lack of healing progress over a defined period, typically two weeks. This means that despite appropriate treatment, the wound does not exhibit any signs of improvement in terms of size, depth, or overall condition. Understanding this definition is crucial for effective wound management, as it may indicate that the patient requires more advanced interventions or modifications to the current treatment plan. The other answer choices describe different aspects of wound healing but do not accurately characterize a refractory wound. Rapid healing, external infection, and requirements for only topical treatment do not pertain to the specific criteria of stagnation in healing progress, which is a definitive marker for a refractory wound. Recognizing these distinctions helps healthcare professionals better assess wound status and tailor their approaches for optimal healing outcomes.