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

Which factors can affect the intensity or duration of the inflammatory phase of wound healing?

1. Bacterial loads and devitalized tissue

2. Only the age of the patient

3. Presence of moisture

4. Amount of dressing applied

The correct answer is: Bacterial loads and devitalized tissue

The intensity and duration of the inflammatory phase of wound healing can be significantly influenced by factors related to bacterial loads and the presence of devitalized tissue. High bacterial counts in a wound can lead to an exaggerated inflammatory response because the body activates immune mechanisms to fight the infection. This response can prolong the inflammatory phase, making it more intense as the body continues to combat the bacterial presence. Similarly, devitalized tissue can impede healing by serving as a medium for bacterial growth and delaying the transition to the next phases of healing. The presence of necrotic or non-viable tissue can trap pathogens and fluids, fostering an environment that prolongs inflammation and complicates the healing process. In contrast, the other factors noted do not directly and singularly affect the inflammation phase as significantly. For instance, while the age of the patient can play a role in healing, it is not as influential as the presence of bacteria and devitalized tissue in terms of the inflammatory response. Moisture is also critical for wound healing, but it primarily influences healing rates rather than specifically affecting inflammation intensity or duration. The amount of dressing applied can impact overall moisture management but does not itself determine the severity of the inflammatory phase as directly as bacterial load and tissue viability do.