Question 1

Q: A 45-year-old woman undergoes elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. On postoperative day 5, she develops fever, erythema, and purulent drainage from one of the trocar sites. Wound culture grows Staphylococcus aureus. Which phase of wound healing has been most directly disrupted by this complication?

Proliferative phase occurring in days 3-21. ***Proliferative phase occurring in days 3-21*** - On **postoperative day 5**, a wound is typically transitioning into the **proliferative phase**, which is characterized by **fibroblast proliferation**, **angiogenesis**, and **granulation tissue** formation. - A **Staphylococcus aureus** infection at this stage disrupts the deposition of **Type III collagen** and prevents the development of **wound tensile strength**, stalling the transition from inflammation to repair. *Remodeling phase occurring over months* - This phase usually begins around **3 weeks** and lasts for up to a year, focusing on the conversion of **Type III collagen** to **Type I collagen**. - Since the patient is only on **postoperative day 5**, this phase has not yet begun and is not the primary phase disrupted by the acute infection. *Epithelialization phase occurring in days 1-2* - This process involves the migration of **keratinocytes** across the wound surface and is typically complete within **24 to 48 hours** for a clean surgical incision. - The infection occurred well after this initial closure period, making it a secondary consequence rather than a disruption of the initial migration phase. *Hemostasis phase occurring in the first hours* - This immediate phase involves **platelet aggregation**, the **clotting cascade**, and **vasoconstriction** to stop bleeding. - Complications in this phase would manifest as **hematoma** or hemorrhage immediately after surgery, not as a **purulent infection** on day 5. *Inflammatory phase occurring in days 0-5* - This phase focuses on **neutrophil** and **macrophage** infiltration to clear debris and bacteria shortly after injury. - While the infection triggers a prolonged inflammatory response, the **proliferative phase** is the specific stage most directly halted and compromised by the arrival of a **bacterial infection** at this timeline.

Question

A 45-year-old woman undergoes elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. On postoperative day 5, she develops fever, erythema, and purulent drainage from one of the trocar sites. Wound culture grows Staphylococcus aureus. Which phase of wound healing has been most directly disrupted by this complication?

Accepted Answer

Proliferative phase occurring in days 3-21

Answer

Remodeling phase occurring over months

Answer

Epithelialization phase occurring in days 1-2

Answer

Hemostasis phase occurring in the first hours

Answer

Inflammatory phase occurring in days 0-5

Wound healing — MCQs

Wound healing — MCQs

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