A nurse is caring for a client who has multiple sclerosis and a chronic nonhealing wound. The nurse should recognize that which of the following types of medications is known to delay wound healing?

Choice A rationale
Wrapping the dressing in a clear plastic bag and discarding it in the bedside trash receptacle is not appropriate because the dressing is saturated with potentially infectious material.

Choice B rationale
Double bagging and labeling the dressing as “biohazard” is part of the correct procedure, but sending it for decontamination is not typically done for soiled dressings; they should be disposed of properly.

Choice C rationale
Simply discarding the dressing in the bedside trash receptacle does not follow proper infection control protocols for handling potentially infectious materials.

Choice D rationale
Placing the dressing in a biohazardous waste container is the correct method as it ensures safe disposal and prevents the risk of infection transmission.

Choice A rationale
The second stage of wound healing is proliferation, which occurs after the initial hemostasis phase. During proliferation, the wound begins to be rebuilt with new, healthy granulation tissue. This tissue is rich in collagen, which forms a foundation for new tissue growth. Capillaries grow across the wound, bringing oxygen and nutrients that are essential for healing. New skin cells begin to form over this granulation tissue, which is a critical component of the healing process.

Choice B rationale
Maturation is the third and final stage of wound healing. It follows the proliferation stage and involves the remodeling of collagen, which strengthens the tissue and restores its normal function. During maturation, the new tissue slowly gains strength and flexibility. Here, the collagen fibers reorganize, the tissue remodels and contracts, and the healed wound becomes more resilient. This stage can take a long time, sometimes up to a year or more, depending on the wound’s severity and the patient’s overall health.

Choice C rationale
Inflammation is indeed the second stage of wound healing. It is a natural part of the healing process and involves controlling bleeding, preventing infection, and enabling the migration of healing cells to the wound area.

Choice D rationale
Remodeling is the last stage of wound healing, not the second. It occurs after the wound has closed and involves the long-term strengthening and formation of scar tissue.