Certified Wound Care Nurse (CWCN) Practice Exam

When assessing a patient's wound, which type of tissue indicates active healing?

1. Eschar

2. Necrotic tissue

3. Red granulation tissue

4. Slough

The correct answer is: Red granulation tissue

Red granulation tissue is a key indicator of active healing in wound assessment. This type of tissue appears as a moist, pink, or red tissue formation that develops as part of the body's natural healing process. It consists of new connective tissue and blood vessels, providing an essential foundation for further tissue regeneration and repair. The presence of red granulation tissue signals that the wound is moving through the different stages of healing, specifically the proliferative phase, where tissue is being rebuilt. In contrast, eschar is compromised tissue that is dead and typically dark in color, and while it may eventually slough off, it does not indicate healing. Necrotic tissue signifies tissue death often due to infection or inadequate blood flow and is a barrier to healing. Slough, which is usually yellow or white, consists of dead tissue that is being (or needs to be) removed for healing to progress but does not represent healthy tissue conducive to wound healing. Therefore, observing red granulation tissue is essential for recognizing and confirming that a wound is healing actively.