Certified Wound Care Nurse (CWCN) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the Certified Wound Care Nurse Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, with explanations and tips. Ensure success in your CWCN certification!

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What is a characteristic feature of Necrotizing fasciitis following skin trauma?

  1. Painless lesions

  2. Painful, edematous areas

  3. Rapid healing of the skin

  4. Presence of chronic ulcers

The correct answer is: Painful, edematous areas

Necrotizing fasciitis is a severe, rapidly progressing soft tissue infection that is characterized by pain and significant edema. Following skin trauma, the affected areas often become extremely painful, and the swelling can be quite noticeable, leading to an edematous appearance. This pain is typically more pronounced than one would expect based on visual assessment alone, making it a hallmark feature of the condition. The rapid progression of necrotizing fasciitis means that the affected area does not heal quickly; instead, it can lead to extensive tissue necrosis, requiring urgent medical intervention. Thus, the painful, edematous areas are a direct reflection of the tissue response to the infection, distinguishing this condition from others that might not exhibit these characteristics. Other options, such as painless lesions and rapid healing, do not align with the nature of necrotizing fasciitis, as the latter condition is defined by severe pain and serious, often life-threatening complications if left untreated. The presence of chronic ulcers is also not indicative of necrotizing fasciitis, which is an acute process rather than a chronic one.