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

Which phase of full thickness wound repair involves inflammation and hemostasis?

1. Maturation/Remodeling phase

2. Proliferative phase

3. Inflammatory phase

4. Epithelialization phase

The correct answer is: Inflammatory phase

The inflammatory phase of full thickness wound repair is critical as it serves as the body’s immediate response to injury. This phase encompasses both inflammation and hemostasis, which are essential processes for initiating healing. During hemostasis, the body works to stop the bleeding through the constriction of blood vessels and the formation of a clot. This not only protects the wound from contaminants but also serves as a temporary matrix for incoming cells. Subsequently, inflammation occurs, characterized by the influx of immune cells such as neutrophils and macrophages to the wound site. These cells help to clear away debris and bacteria, creating an environment conducive to healing. The inflammation and hemostasis processes during this phase set the stage for the subsequent phases of wound healing, including granulation tissue formation and epithelialization. Understanding the role of the inflammatory phase is crucial for recognizing how the body begins to heal from a wound and how complications might arise if this phase is disrupted.