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

During the reestablishment of normal skin layers and thickness, what signals the cessation of migration for epithelial cells?

1. Contact with normal tissue

2. Absence of infection

3. Formation of a blood clot

4. Reduction in inflammation

The correct answer is: Contact with normal tissue

The correct answer, contact with normal tissue, signifies the point at which epithelial cells cease their migration. When epithelial cells are involved in the healing process, they move into the wound area to restore the integrity of the skin. This migration is a crucial step in wound healing, but it is regulated by various signals in the surrounding environment. When epithelial cells come into contact with healthy, normal tissue, they receive signals that indicate that the area has been sufficiently covered and that further migration is unnecessary. This interaction helps to establish a physical barrier and promotes cellular signaling pathways that encourage the cells to stop migrating, leading to the finalization of the healing process and re-establishment of the epidermal layer. While the presence of normal tissue is critical for this process, absence of infection, formation of a blood clot, and reduction in inflammation play vital roles in overall wound healing but do not specifically indicate the cessation of epithelial cell migration. Each of these factors contributes to creating an optimal environment for healing but is not the direct signal that tells epithelial cells to stop moving once they encounter healthy tissue.