In wound healing, the phase where fibroblasts migrate into the wound and begin to synthesize collagen is call… - ESIC Nursing Officer-7July 2024

ESIC Nursing Officer-7July 2024

Medical & Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: ESIC Nursing Officer-7July 2024

Explanation

The proliferation phase is the stage of wound healing where the body focuses on building new tissue.
During this phase, fibroblasts migrate into the wound bed.
These fibroblasts are responsible for synthesizing and depositing new collagen fibers (primarily Type III collagen).
This process, along with the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis), creates granulation tissue, which fills the wound defect.
This phase typically begins around day 3-4 after injury and can last for several weeks.

Option A: The inflammatory phase is the initial phase of healing. Its main purpose is hemostasis (stopping bleeding) and cleaning the wound area of bacteria and debris through the action of neutrophils and macrophages, not collagen synthesis.
Option B: The maturation phase, also known as the remodeling phase, is the final stage of wound healing. It involves the reorganization and strengthening of the collagen that was laid down during the proliferative phase, not the initial synthesis by migrating fibroblasts.
Option D: Evisceration is not a physiological phase of wound healing. It is a severe surgical complication where internal organs protrude through a dehisced (separated) wound.

Visual 1: Diagram - A detailed diagram illustrating the four phases of wound healing (Hemostasis, Inflammation, Proliferation, Maturation) with key cells and processes for each stage highlighted. This helps visualize the sequence of events.
Visual 2: Micrograph - A microscopic image of granulation tissue, showing proliferating fibroblasts, new capillaries, and inflammatory cells within a loose collagen matrix. This provides a real-world view of the proliferative phase.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Phases of wound healing helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Understanding the phases of wound healing is crucial for nurses to accurately assess a wound's progress, identify signs of normal versus delayed healing, and select appropriate dressings and interventions.
For example, a wound stuck in the inflammatory phase may appear red, swollen, and produce exudate for a prolonged period, indicating a possible infection or other issue that requires intervention.
A nurse's role includes promoting healing by ensuring the patient has adequate nutrition (especially protein, vitamin C, and zinc, which are vital for collagen synthesis), maintaining a moist wound environment, and preventing infection.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key processes described in the question stem: 'fibroblasts migrate' and 'synthesize collagen'.
Next, recall the four main phases of wound healing: Inflammation, Proliferation, and Maturation (Remodeling).
Analyze the function of each phase. The inflammatory phase is for cleaning. The proliferation phase is for filling/building. The maturation phase is for strengthening/remodeling.
Associate the key processes with the correct phase. Fibroblast activity and collagen deposition are the defining features of the building (proliferation) phase.
Evaluate the options. 'Inflammatory phase' and 'Maturation phase' have different primary functions. 'Evisceration' is a complication, not a phase, and can be eliminated immediately.
Conclude that the proliferation phase is the only option that matches the description in the question.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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