Factors Affecting Wound Healing (Reappear from Exam #1)

Question 1

Infection is…
1. wound complication
2. local factor
3. systemic factor

Answer 1

1. wound complication
   - infection results when the immune system fails to control the growth of microorganisms.
   - a contaminated wound is more likely to be infected.

Question 2

Hemorrhage is…
1. wound complication
2. local factor
3. systemic factor

Answer 2

1. wound complication

Question 3

dehiscence is…
1. wound complication
2. local factor
3. systemic factor

Answer 3

1. wound complication
   - the wound is separated but everything is inside still

Question 4

evisceration is…
1. wound complication
2. local factor
3. systemic factor

Answer 4

1. wound complication
   - dehiscence and protruding bowel

Question 5

fistula is…
1. wound complication
2. local factor
3. systemic factor

Answer 5

1. wound complication
   - an abnormal passage.
   - can be intentional or from an abscess.

Question 6

local factor

Answer 6

occurring directly in the wound

Question 7

systemic factor

Answer 7

factors not related to the wound iteself

Question 8

pressure is…
1. complication
2. local factor
3. systemic factor

Answer 8

2. local factor
   - pressure disrupts the blood supply to the wound area.
   - persistent or excessive pressure interferes with blood flow to the tissues & delays healing

Question 9

desiccation is…
1. complication
2. local factor
3. systemic factor

Answer 9

2. local factor
   - desiccation is the process of drying up.
   - cells dehydrate and die in a dry environment.
   - this cell death causes a crust to form over the wound site & delays healing.
   - wounds that are kept moist (not wet) and hydrated experience enhances epidermal migration, which supports epithelialization.

Question 10

maceration is…
1. complication
2. local factor
3. systemic factor

Answer 10

2. local factor
   - softening and breakdown of the skin results from prolonged moisture exposure.

Question 11

trauma is…
1. complication
2. local factor
3. systemic factor

Answer 11

2. local factor
   - repeated trauma to a wound area results in delayed healing or the inability to heal.

Question 12

edema is…
1. complication
2. local factor
3. systemic factor

Answer 12

2. local factor
   - edema at the wound site interferes with the blood supply to the area, decreasing oxygen and nutrients to the tissue

Question 13

infection directly in the wound is…
1. complication
2. local factor
3. systemic factor

Answer 13

2. local factor
   - body energy is spent on fighting infection instead of wound healing.
   - toxins released when bacteria die interfere with wound healing and cause cell death.

Question 14

excessive bleeding is…
1. complication
2. local factor
3. systemic factor

Answer 14

2. local factor
   - results in large clots, this large clot increases amount of space that must be filled during healing and interferes with oxygen diffusion in tissues.
   - promotes bacteria growth and infection (pooled blood & drainage makes a good reservoir for this).

Question 15

necrosis is…
1. complication
2. local factor
3. systemic factor

Answer 15

2. local factor
   - dead tissue present in the wound delays healing.
   - dry, black leathery tissue.
   - the wound cannot heal with necrotic tissue in the wound and must be removed for healing to begin.

Question 16

biofilm is…
1. complication
2. local factor
3. systemic factor

Answer 16

2. local factor
   - the result of wound bacteria growing in clumps, embedded in the thick, self-made, protective, limy barrier of sugars and proteins.
   - this barrier contributes to decrease antibiotic effectiveness.
   - the bacteria also produces a protective matrix that attaches the biofilm to the wound surface.

Question 17

age is…
1. complication
2. local factor
3. systemic factor

Answer 17

3. systemic factor
   - children & adults heal faster than older adults.
   - skin integrity changes based on age.
   - infants and small children have higher risk of impaired skin integrity.
   - older adults have higher risk of impaired skin integrity.

Question 18

circulation and oxygen is…
1. complication
2. local factor
3. systemic factor

Answer 18

3. systemic factor
   - adequate blood flow to deliver nutrients and O2 and to remove local toxins, bacteria, and other debris is essential for wound healing.
   - certain physical conditions can affect wound healing due to effects on circulation and oxygen: older adults, PVD, cardiovascular disease, HTN, diabetes, anemia, chronic respiratory disorders, and smokers.

Question 19

nutritional status is…
1. complication
2. local factor
3. systemic factor

Answer 19

3. systemic factor
   - calories and proteins rebuild cells and tissue.
   - all stages of the wound healing process are slowed or inadequate in patients with poor nutritional status and fluid balance.

Question 20

wound etiology is…
1. complication
2. local factor
3. systemic factor

Answer 20

3. systemic factor
   - knowledge of the wound cause directly impacts assessment and treatment of the wound.
   - also may indicate the associated likelihood of a future wound reoccurrence.

Question 21

meds and health status is…
1. complication
2. local factor
3. systemic factor

Answer 21

3. systemic factor
   - patients who are taking corticosteroids or require post-op radiation therapy are at high risk for delayed healing and wound complications.
   - the presence of a chronic illness or impaired immune function can impair wound healing.
   - prolonged antibiotic use increases patients risk for secondary infection and superinfection.

Question 22

immunosuppression is…
1. complication
2. local factor
3. systemic factor

Answer 22

3. systemic factor
   - suppression of the immune system can delay wound healing.

Question 23

adherence to treatment plan is…
1. complication
2. local factor
3. systemic factor

Answer 23

3. systemic factor
   - non-adherence to wound treatment plan can negatively impact wound healing.