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

Which of the following is a characteristic of reactive hyperemia?

1. It is always permanent

2. It resolves slowly over days

3. It typically resolves within one hour

4. It indicates severe tissue damage

The correct answer is: It typically resolves within one hour

Reactive hyperemia is a physiological response that occurs when blood flow to an area is temporarily reduced, commonly following a period of occlusion. This response is characterized by a marked increase in blood flow to the affected area once the occlusion is released, helping to restore oxygen and nutrient supply to tissues. The characteristic feature of reactive hyperemia is that it typically resolves within one hour. This rapid restoration of blood flow effectively addresses the short-term needs of the tissue, allowing it to recover from any temporary ischemia caused by the restriction. The body’s ability to quickly rebound from this state underscores the efficient nature of the reactive hyperemia response. In contrast to this, the other options describe conditions that do not apply to typical reactive hyperemia. It is not permanent; rather, it is a temporary increase in blood flow specifically following a period of reduced perfusion. Additionally, it does not resolve slowly over days, as the restoration of blood supply occurs fairly quickly. Lastly, while reactive hyperemia can indicate a previous reduction in blood oxygen levels, it does not inherently signal severe tissue damage, which would suggest a more chronic or critical condition, rather than a temporary reactive response.