Which of the following may interfere with wound healing?

Appeared in: AIIMS Bhatinda NO - 2019

Explanation

A constrictive bandage impairs blood circulation to the wound area by compressing blood vessels.
Reduced blood flow (ischemia) decreases the delivery of oxygen, nutrients, and immune cells that are essential for all phases of tissue repair.
Impaired circulation can lead to tissue hypoxia, increased swelling (edema), and accumulation of metabolic waste, all of which significantly delay or prevent wound healing.

Option B: A high protein diet is beneficial, not detrimental, to wound healing.
Option C: Keeping the surrounding area clean helps prevent infection, a major inhibitor of wound healing.
Option D: Moderate activity improves systemic blood circulation, which enhances the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the wound, thereby promoting healing.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Factors affecting wound healing helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Nurses are directly responsible for applying dressings correctly and performing regular neurovascular assessments to detect circulatory compromise early.
Patient education is a key nursing role. Patients and caregivers must be taught to recognize signs of a tight bandage (e.g., pain, pallor, numbness, swelling) and the importance of reporting them immediately.
What if the patient is also diabetic? In a patient with diabetes, who may already have compromised peripheral circulation, a constrictive bandage poses an even greater risk, potentially leading to severe tissue necrosis, non-healing ulcers, and amputation.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question. The keyword is 'interfere,' which means to hinder or obstruct. The question is asking for a negative factor in wound healing.
Evaluate each option based on its physiological effect on the body's repair processes.
Consider 'Constrictive bandage'. 'Constrictive' implies squeezing or tightening. This would logically reduce blood flow, which is essential for healing. This is a strong candidate for the correct answer.
Analyze 'High protein diet'. Protein is a fundamental building block for tissue repair. A high-protein diet would support, not interfere with, healing.
Assess 'Keeping surrounding area clean'. Cleanliness prevents infection. Since infection is a major barrier to healing, keeping the area clean is a positive action.
Evaluate 'Moderate activity'. Gentle activity improves overall circulation, which is beneficial for delivering oxygen and nutrients to the wound.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 1 Part 1 p. 37-39

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 6 p. 76-78

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Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.