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

When should a healing ridge be palpated post-operation?

1. 1-3 days

2. 3-5 days

3. 5-9 days

4. 10-14 days

The correct answer is: 5-9 days

A healing ridge should be palpated between 5 to 9 days post-operation. At this stage, the wound healing process is actively progressing, and the body begins to form granulation tissue, which provides a supportive framework for healing. The healing ridge is a sign that the wound is gaining strength as collagen is being deposited, and the edges of the wound are approximating. If palpated too early, such as within the first few days after surgery, the healing process may not be sufficiently advanced to detect any significant changes, as the wound is still in the inflammatory phase. In later stages, such as 10 to 14 days post-operation, the ridge may have stabilized or changed, making it less indicative of the active healing process that occurs a bit earlier. Therefore, the period of 5 to 9 days is optimal for assessing the healing ridge, as it allows for timely evaluation of the wound's progress.