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

What occurs in epithelialization for full thickness wounds?

1. Rete pegs are reestablished

2. The epithelium acquires normal thickness

3. The wound completely heals with no scar tissue

4. Once healed, the skin is denser than uninjured skin

The correct answer is: The epithelium acquires normal thickness

In the process of epithelialization for full thickness wounds, the epithelium acquires normal thickness. This phase involves the migration of epithelial cells from the periphery of the wound or from hair follicles and sweat glands, allowing for the formation of a new epithelial layer over the wound bed. The reestablishment of the epithelium is essential for restoring the barrier function of the skin, and achieving normal thickness is crucial for proper skin integrity and function. While other options discuss aspects related to wound healing, they do not accurately describe the primary role of epithelialization. The emergence of rete pegs, which are important for anchoring the epidermis to the dermis, typically occurs during later phases of wound maturation rather than during the initial epithelialization phase. Additionally, complete wound healing without any scar tissue is generally not possible, especially in full thickness wounds, as scar formation is a natural part of the healing response. The assertion that the skin becomes denser than uninjured skin after healing can be misleading, as healing tissue may not completely replicate the original skin structure and function. Thus, the correct choice focuses on the restoration of the epithelial layer, which is vital for proper wound healing.