Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON) Practice Test

What defines an infection in a wound?

1. Presence of debris in the wound

2. More than 10^5 organisms/ml

3. Localized swelling and redness

4. Absence of drainage from the wound

The correct answer is: More than 10^5 organisms/ml

The definition of an infection in a wound is primarily determined by the quantitative measurement of microorganisms present. When the bacterial load exceeds more than 10^5 organisms per milliliter, it indicates a significant likelihood of infection that can lead to delayed healing and increased morbidity. This threshold is rooted in microbiological studies that correlate high bacterial counts with infection and clinical symptoms. While localized swelling and redness can suggest an inflammatory response to an infection, they are not definitive measures of infection on their own, as these symptoms can also arise from other causes, such as irritation or allergic reactions. The presence of debris in the wound may complicate healing but does not quantitatively define infection. Similarly, an absence of drainage could be misleading, as some infections may occur without visible exudate, especially in deeper or more complex wounds. Thus, the specific metric of organism count is the most reliable indicator to classify a wound as infected.