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

What is the first phase of partial thickness wound repair?

1. Proliferation phase

2. Inflammatory response

3. Reepithelialization

4. Granulation phase

The correct answer is: Inflammatory response

The first phase of partial thickness wound repair is the inflammatory response. This phase is crucial as it serves as the body's initial reaction to tissue injury. During the inflammatory response, various immune cells migrate to the site of injury to prevent infection and promote healing. It involves redness, heat, swelling, and pain, which are signs of the body's effort to manage the wound effectively. Following this phase, the proliferation phase occurs, but the inflammatory response must first take place to prepare the wound bed for subsequent phases such as reepithelialization and granulation. The inflammatory response establishes a suitable environment for healing by cleaning the wound area and allowing for growth factors to facilitate the later stages of repair.