WOCN WOUND EXAM FINAL PAPER 2026
COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
◉ physiological response to cold therapy Answer: vasoconstriction
local anesthesia
reduced cell metabolism
increased blood viscosity
decreased muscle tension
reduces blood flow to injured site; prevents edema
reduces inflammation and O2 needs of tissues
relieves pain
◉ Describe the differences in therapeutic effects of heat and cold
and application. Demonstrate application of heat/cold therapy
Answer: Body responses to heat and cold
-systemic responses (heat loss or conservation mechanisms)
-local responses (stimulation of nerve endings)
-adaptive process
Local effects of heat and cold
-heat: reflex vasoconstriction
,-cold: reflex vasodilation
Factors influencing heat and cold tolerance
-duration of application
-body part
-damage to body surface
-prior skin temperature
-body surface area
-age and physical condition
Assessment for temperature tolerance
-conditions that contradict therapy
-patient sensory function
-condition of equipment
Patient education and safety
-purpose, symptoms of temperature exposure, and precautions
Applying heat and cold
-health care provider's order required
-follow agency temperature policy
, Choice of moist or dry
-type of wound or injury
-location of the body part
-presence of drainage or inflammation
-cold moist compresses
-cold soaks
-ice bag or collar
-commercial cold packs
-warm moist compresses
-warm soaks
-sitz bath
-commercial hot packs
-hot water bottles
-electric heating pads
◉ nursing care plan for a patient with impaired skin integrity
Answer: Pt-centered goals aimed at preventing/reducing impaired
skin integrity or promoting wound healing.
assess all pt's for risk for skin breakdown (Braden scale) and
perform skin and wound assessments daily
COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
◉ physiological response to cold therapy Answer: vasoconstriction
local anesthesia
reduced cell metabolism
increased blood viscosity
decreased muscle tension
reduces blood flow to injured site; prevents edema
reduces inflammation and O2 needs of tissues
relieves pain
◉ Describe the differences in therapeutic effects of heat and cold
and application. Demonstrate application of heat/cold therapy
Answer: Body responses to heat and cold
-systemic responses (heat loss or conservation mechanisms)
-local responses (stimulation of nerve endings)
-adaptive process
Local effects of heat and cold
-heat: reflex vasoconstriction
,-cold: reflex vasodilation
Factors influencing heat and cold tolerance
-duration of application
-body part
-damage to body surface
-prior skin temperature
-body surface area
-age and physical condition
Assessment for temperature tolerance
-conditions that contradict therapy
-patient sensory function
-condition of equipment
Patient education and safety
-purpose, symptoms of temperature exposure, and precautions
Applying heat and cold
-health care provider's order required
-follow agency temperature policy
, Choice of moist or dry
-type of wound or injury
-location of the body part
-presence of drainage or inflammation
-cold moist compresses
-cold soaks
-ice bag or collar
-commercial cold packs
-warm moist compresses
-warm soaks
-sitz bath
-commercial hot packs
-hot water bottles
-electric heating pads
◉ nursing care plan for a patient with impaired skin integrity
Answer: Pt-centered goals aimed at preventing/reducing impaired
skin integrity or promoting wound healing.
assess all pt's for risk for skin breakdown (Braden scale) and
perform skin and wound assessments daily
