CERTIFIED WOUND CARE NURSE
(CWCN) COMPREHENSIVE
EXAMINATION QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. Which layer of the skin is responsible for providing structural strength and contains
collagen, elastin, and reticular fibers?
A. Stratum Corneum
B. Hypodermis
C. Dermis
D. Basal Layer
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The dermis is the connective tissue layer providing structural
support and elasticity through its rich supply of collagen and elastin fibers.
2. A patient presents with a full-thickness pressure injury where the base is completely
obscured by yellow slough. How should this be staged?
A. Stage 3
,B. Stage 4
C. Deep Tissue Pressure Injury
D. Unstageable
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: If the base of the wound is obscured by slough or eschar, the
true depth cannot be determined, making it Unstageable according to NPIAP guidelines.
3. Which phase of wound healing involves the recruitment of neutrophils and macrophages
to remove debris and bacteria?
A. Hemostasis
B. Proliferative Phase
C. Inflammatory Phase
D. Maturation Phase
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The inflammatory phase is characterized by leukocyte
migration, specifically neutrophils and macrophages, to clean the wound bed.
4. What is the primary characteristic of an arterial ulcer located on the lateral malleolus?
A. Heavy exudate and irregular borders
B. Hemosiderin staining and edema
, C. Warm skin and palpable pulses
D. Punched-out appearance and pale wound bed
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Arterial ulcers typically exhibit a ‘punched-out’ look, well-
defined borders, and a pale base due to lack of perfusion.
5. An Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) of 0.4 indicates which of the following clinical conditions?
A. Severe arterial insufficiency
B. Mild peripheral artery disease
C. Normal arterial flow
D. Non-compressible vessels
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: An ABI of 0.4 or lower is indicative of severe peripheral arterial
disease and significant ischemia.
6. Which dressing is most appropriate for a wound with heavy drainage that requires
autolytic debridement?
A. Hydrogel
B. Alginate
C. Transparent film
(CWCN) COMPREHENSIVE
EXAMINATION QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. Which layer of the skin is responsible for providing structural strength and contains
collagen, elastin, and reticular fibers?
A. Stratum Corneum
B. Hypodermis
C. Dermis
D. Basal Layer
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The dermis is the connective tissue layer providing structural
support and elasticity through its rich supply of collagen and elastin fibers.
2. A patient presents with a full-thickness pressure injury where the base is completely
obscured by yellow slough. How should this be staged?
A. Stage 3
,B. Stage 4
C. Deep Tissue Pressure Injury
D. Unstageable
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: If the base of the wound is obscured by slough or eschar, the
true depth cannot be determined, making it Unstageable according to NPIAP guidelines.
3. Which phase of wound healing involves the recruitment of neutrophils and macrophages
to remove debris and bacteria?
A. Hemostasis
B. Proliferative Phase
C. Inflammatory Phase
D. Maturation Phase
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The inflammatory phase is characterized by leukocyte
migration, specifically neutrophils and macrophages, to clean the wound bed.
4. What is the primary characteristic of an arterial ulcer located on the lateral malleolus?
A. Heavy exudate and irregular borders
B. Hemosiderin staining and edema
, C. Warm skin and palpable pulses
D. Punched-out appearance and pale wound bed
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Arterial ulcers typically exhibit a ‘punched-out’ look, well-
defined borders, and a pale base due to lack of perfusion.
5. An Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) of 0.4 indicates which of the following clinical conditions?
A. Severe arterial insufficiency
B. Mild peripheral artery disease
C. Normal arterial flow
D. Non-compressible vessels
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: An ABI of 0.4 or lower is indicative of severe peripheral arterial
disease and significant ischemia.
6. Which dressing is most appropriate for a wound with heavy drainage that requires
autolytic debridement?
A. Hydrogel
B. Alginate
C. Transparent film
