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

What role do mechanical stresses on a wound play in scar formation?

1. They decrease the amount of scar tissue formed

2. They have no impact on the scar formation

3. They can increase the volume of scar tissue formed

4. They only affect color change of the scar

The correct answer is: They can increase the volume of scar tissue formed

Mechanical stresses on a wound play a significant role in scar formation. When a wound is subjected to mechanical stress, such as tension or movement, it can affect the healing process. In fact, increased mechanical stress can lead to an increased volume of scar tissue being produced. This is attributed to the fact that fibroblasts, which are the cells responsible for producing collagen and other extracellular matrix components, respond to mechanical forces by proliferating and synthesizing more collagen. As a result, when a wound heals under tension or continues to be mechanically stressed, the body compensates by generating more scar tissue to provide structural integrity and support to the area. This phenomenon is particularly evident in areas of the body where movement is more pronounced, leading to hypertrophic scars or keloids in some instances. Thus, mechanical stresses on a wound can indeed increase the volume of scar tissue formed, making this understanding crucial for effective wound management and minimizing undesirable scarring.