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

What occurs approximately 5 days post-injury in the epithelial cell proliferation and migration stage with dermal loss?

1. A layer of fluid separates epidermis from dermis

2. New hair follicles begin to form

3. Cleansing of the wound is initiated

4. The wound begins to darken in color

The correct answer is: A layer of fluid separates epidermis from dermis

In the epithelial cell proliferation and migration stage, which typically occurs around 5 days after an injury with dermal loss, the separation of the epidermis from the dermis by a layer of fluid is a significant event. This fluid build-up is largely due to the inflammatory response that the body initiates after an injury. It consists of exudate, which contains plasma proteins and immune cells. This exudate plays a crucial role in providing moisture to the environment of the wound, thereby facilitating the migration of epithelial cells across the wound bed and promoting the healing process. The presence of this fluid layer also helps protect the wound from external pathogens, minimizing the risk of infection. Furthermore, it aids in the transport of nutrients and signaling molecules necessary for cell proliferation and migration. Considering the timing of this process, the appearance of a fluid layer is an essential indicator that healing is progressing, and it is relevant to the phase of epithelial cell function that is prominent during the wound healing process. The other options reference events that either occur later in the healing process or are not as characteristic of this early phase. For example, new hair follicles or hair growth does not typically begin until the latter stages of healing. Cleansing of the wound is primarily a function of the