Certified Wound Care Nurse (CWCN) Practice Exam

What do you call a fistula that connects the colon and the skin?

1. Enterocutaneous fistula

2. Colocutaneous fistula

3. Rectal fistula

4. Vesicovaginal fistula

The correct answer is: Colocutaneous fistula

A fistula that connects the colon and the skin is referred to as a colocutaneous fistula. This specific type of fistula allows for the abnormal passage between the colon and the external skin surface, typically resulting from conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis, or surgical complications. Understanding the terminology is essential for proper diagnosis and management in wound care, as it helps in recognizing the origin of the fistula and planning appropriate treatment. Enterocutaneous fistulas refer to connections between the intestine and the skin but do not specify that it is the colon. Rectal fistulas are connections between the rectum and surrounding structures, while vesicovaginal fistulas connect the urinary bladder and the vaginal canal. These distinctions highlight the importance of appropriate language in clinical practice and patient care.