CERTIFIED WOUND CARE NURSE
(CWCN) PRACTICE EXAM 2026/2027
1. A patient presents with a full-thickness wound where the base is obscured by yellow
slough. What is the correct pressure injury stage?
A. Stage 3
B. Stage 4
C. Unstageable
D. Deep Tissue Pressure Injury
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: If slough or eschar obscures the extent of tissue loss, the wound
is categorized as Unstageable until the base is visible.
2. Which layer of the skin is responsible for the regeneration of the epidermis?
A. Stratum corneum
B. Papillary dermis
C. Stratum basale
D. Hypodermis
,Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The stratum basale is the deepest layer of the epidermis where
mitosis occurs for skin regeneration.
3. An Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) of 0.4 indicates which of the following?
A. Normal arterial flow
B. Mild arterial disease
C. Calcified vessels
D. Severe arterial disease
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: An ABI of 0.4 or lower indicates severe peripheral arterial
disease and significant ischemia.
4. Which phase of wound healing is characterized by the presence of macrophages and
neutrophils?
A. Hemostasis
B. Proliferation
C. Inflammation
D. Maturation
Answer: C
, Conceptual Explanation: The inflammatory phase involves white blood cells like
neutrophils and macrophages clearing debris and bacteria.
5. A wound that shows rolled edges is exhibiting which of the following?
A. Tunneling
B. Undermining
C. Epiboly
D. Dehiscence
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Epiboly occurs when the edges of a wound roll under,
preventing further epithelial migration across the wound bed.
6. What is the primary goal for managing a stable, dry, black eschar on a patient’s heel with
poor arterial perfusion?
A. Surgical debridement
B. Keep dry and intact
C. Enzymatic debridement
D. Wet-to-dry dressings
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Dry, stable eschar on the heel acts as a natural barrier and
should not be debrided if arterial flow is inadequate to support healing.
(CWCN) PRACTICE EXAM 2026/2027
1. A patient presents with a full-thickness wound where the base is obscured by yellow
slough. What is the correct pressure injury stage?
A. Stage 3
B. Stage 4
C. Unstageable
D. Deep Tissue Pressure Injury
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: If slough or eschar obscures the extent of tissue loss, the wound
is categorized as Unstageable until the base is visible.
2. Which layer of the skin is responsible for the regeneration of the epidermis?
A. Stratum corneum
B. Papillary dermis
C. Stratum basale
D. Hypodermis
,Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The stratum basale is the deepest layer of the epidermis where
mitosis occurs for skin regeneration.
3. An Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) of 0.4 indicates which of the following?
A. Normal arterial flow
B. Mild arterial disease
C. Calcified vessels
D. Severe arterial disease
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: An ABI of 0.4 or lower indicates severe peripheral arterial
disease and significant ischemia.
4. Which phase of wound healing is characterized by the presence of macrophages and
neutrophils?
A. Hemostasis
B. Proliferation
C. Inflammation
D. Maturation
Answer: C
, Conceptual Explanation: The inflammatory phase involves white blood cells like
neutrophils and macrophages clearing debris and bacteria.
5. A wound that shows rolled edges is exhibiting which of the following?
A. Tunneling
B. Undermining
C. Epiboly
D. Dehiscence
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Epiboly occurs when the edges of a wound roll under,
preventing further epithelial migration across the wound bed.
6. What is the primary goal for managing a stable, dry, black eschar on a patient’s heel with
poor arterial perfusion?
A. Surgical debridement
B. Keep dry and intact
C. Enzymatic debridement
D. Wet-to-dry dressings
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Dry, stable eschar on the heel acts as a natural barrier and
should not be debrided if arterial flow is inadequate to support healing.
