Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON) Practice Test

What is the process of contraction in wound healing?

1. It only happens in closed wounds

2. It mobilizes wound edges to reduce the size of wounds

3. It prevents the formation of scar tissue

4. It is primarily responsible for infection control

The correct answer is: It mobilizes wound edges to reduce the size of wounds

The process of contraction in wound healing primarily involves the action of myofibroblasts, which are specialized cells that develop during the healing process. Once a wound is formed, these cells migrate to the wound edges and begin to exert tension on the surrounding tissue. This tension pulls the edges of the wound together, effectively reducing the size of the wound and facilitating the healing process. This contraction is crucial, especially in open wounds, as it helps to minimize the area that needs to be covered with new tissue. In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe the contraction process. While contraction occurs in both open and closed wounds, its significance is particularly evident in open wounds where wound edges need to be drawn together. Contraction does not have a direct role in preventing scar tissue formation; rather, it aids in the overall healing process. Additionally, contraction is not focused on infection control, as it primarily deals with altering the size and shape of the wound rather than managing microbial presence.