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

What occurs during the inflammatory response phase of partial thickness wound healing?

1. Formation of granulation tissue

2. Attachment of keratinocytes to wound bed

3. Erythema, edema, and serous exudate

4. Restoration of normal skin thickness

The correct answer is: Erythema, edema, and serous exudate

During the inflammatory response phase of partial thickness wound healing, the body initiates a series of physiological processes aimed at managing injury and initiating repair. The hallmark signs of this phase include erythema (redness), edema (swelling), and serous exudate (a clear fluid that is part of the inflammatory process). These manifestations are critical as they indicate an increased blood flow and the accumulation of immune cells at the wound site, which helps to prevent infection and prepare the area for subsequent healing phases. This phase is characterized by vascular and cellular responses, whereby the body responds to tissue injury by dilating blood vessels, allowing more blood to reach the area, which facilitates the delivery of immune cells and nutrients. The serous exudate produced contains proteins and other substances necessary for healing, contributing to the overall fluid balance in the wound site. The other options, such as the formation of granulation tissue, attachment of keratinocytes to the wound bed, and restoration of normal skin thickness, occur in later stages of wound healing and are not features of the inflammatory phase. These processes follow the inflammatory response, as the body transitions into the proliferative phase, where tissue repair begins to take place. Understanding the inflammatory response provides a foundation for recognizing how