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

Which characteristic is true for dermal-epidermal replacements?

1. Do not require a clean wound bed

2. Self-regenerating and promote blood vessel ingrowth

3. Should be left uncovered

4. Have no healing capacity

The correct answer is: Self-regenerating and promote blood vessel ingrowth

The characteristic that dermal-epidermal replacements are self-regenerating and promote blood vessel ingrowth is grounded in their design and function. Dermal-epidermal replacements are advanced wound care products that aim to mimic the natural skin layers, specifically the dermis and epidermis. These constructs are engineered to encourage the process of angiogenesis, which is the growth of new blood vessels. This is vital for healing since a rich blood supply brings essential nutrients and oxygen to the site of injury, promoting faster and more effective healing. Additionally, the self-regenerating nature of these replacements means they can adapt and integrate into the surrounding tissue, further enhancing the healing process. In contrast, the other options present characteristics that do not reflect the nature and intended use of dermal-epidermal replacements. For instance, while they can sometimes be used in certain wound types, a clean wound bed is typically a prerequisite for optimal healing environments; leaving them uncovered may expose the area to infection, and lacking healing capacity contradicts the fundamental purpose of these products, which is to facilitate and support the natural wound healing process.