Wound Treatment Associate (WTA) Practice Exam

What is the first phase of full-thickness wound healing?

1. Proliferative phase

2. Maturation phase

3. Inflammatory phase

4. Debridement phase

The correct answer is: Inflammatory phase

The first phase of full-thickness wound healing is the inflammatory phase. This phase is crucial as it serves to prevent infection and begins the healing process. When a wound occurs, the body's immediate response is to activate the inflammatory process, which involves the release of signaling molecules and the recruitment of immune cells to the site. These immune cells, including neutrophils and macrophages, work to clear away debris, pathogens, and damaged tissue. This phase also involves vasodilation, which increases blood flow to the area, resulting in redness and warmth, and allows for the influx of necessary nutrients and immune components. Additionally, the inflammatory phase provides the foundation for the subsequent phases of healing, which are the proliferative phase and then the maturation phase. Understanding this initial phase is essential for recognizing how wounds progress and how interventions can be optimally timed to promote healing.