Wound Treatment Associate (WTA) Practice Exam

What condition makes skin more vulnerable to friction/shear damage?

1. Normal hydration

2. Dehydrated skin

3. Overhydrated or macerated skin

4. Excessively oily skin

The correct answer is: Overhydrated or macerated skin

C. Overhydrated or macerated skin creates a condition where the outer layer of the skin becomes overly saturated with moisture, leading to a breakdown of the skin's integrity. This excessive moisture can soften the skin and make it more susceptible to friction and shear forces. When skin is macerated, it loses its natural barrier properties, allowing for easier penetration of shear forces which can result in damage such as blisters or skin tears. Normal hydration supports skin function and barrier integrity, while dehydrated skin may also be fragile but doesn't necessarily become more vulnerable to friction as dramatically as macerated skin does. Excessively oily skin can lead to other issues, such as clogged pores or acne, but it is not directly associated with an increased vulnerability to shear damage. Therefore, the most critical factor in enhancing vulnerability to friction and shear is the condition of overhydration or maceration, which compromises the skin's ability to withstand these forces effectively.