Physical Therapy Assistant Practice Exam

What type of wound healing is associated with wounds that are temporarily left open due to high risk factors before being closed?

1. Healing by primary intention

2. Healing by delayed primary intention

3. Healing by secondary intention

4. Healing by tertiary intention

The correct answer is: Healing by delayed primary intention

Healing by delayed primary intention refers to a process where a wound is intentionally left open for a period of time before it is closed. This approach is particularly useful in cases where there is a high risk of infection or where the initial conditions do not allow for immediate closure. By leaving the wound open, healthcare providers can monitor it for signs of infection and allow any inflammation or exudate to resolve. After sufficient time has passed and the risk factors have diminished, the wound can then be closed, usually using sutures or other methods. This method is distinct from healing by primary intention, where wounds are closed immediately after injury, and secondary intention, which involves allowing the wound to heal naturally without closure, leading to a larger scar. Tertiary intention also involves a delayed closure but typically follows a certain pattern of management, which may not be as focused on risk factors as delayed primary intention. Thus, delayed primary intention is specifically tailored to address situations where there's a significant concern for complications, making it the correct answer in this case.