Wound Treatment Associate (WTA) Practice Exam

Which of the following factors can impede wound healing?

1. Excessive hydration

2. Malnutrition

3. Age-appropriate diet

4. Enhanced perfusion

The correct answer is: Malnutrition

Malnutrition is a significant factor that can impede wound healing. It refers to a deficiency or imbalance in the essential nutrients required for the body's healing processes. Wound healing involves a complex series of biological events, including inflammation, tissue formation, and remodeling, which all require adequate nutrition. Key nutrients like proteins, vitamins (especially vitamin C and vitamin A), and minerals (such as zinc) play vital roles in collagen synthesis, cell proliferation, and immune response. When an individual is malnourished, their body lacks the necessary resources to effectively tackle these processes, leading to delayed healing, increased risk of infection, and potentially worse clinical outcomes. Proper nutrition supports optimal cellular function, enhances immune response, and increases the overall resilience of the body to heal wounds efficiently. In contrast, factors such as excessive hydration can lead to maceration of the tissue and contribute to healing complications, while an age-appropriate diet generally supports health and nutrition needs, and enhanced perfusion improves blood flow and oxygen supply, which are beneficial for wound healing. Thus, malnutrition is distinctly recognized as a barrier to effective wound healing.