Many clients have chronic open and infected wounds. What is the most likely reason these lesions remain chronic?

Many clients have chronic open and infected wounds. What is the most likely reason these lesions remain chronic?

• A. Poor wound healing due to protein-calorie malnutrition
• B. Close association with others who have infected sores
• C. Frequent reinjury to wounds not adequately cleaned
• D. Inadequate clothes and footwear to protect the skin

Answer: (A)

Wound healing relies on adequate nutrition, especially protein and sufficient calories, to support collagen formation, tissue repair, and immune defense. When protein-calorie intake is deficient, collagen synthesis slows, immune function is impaired, and energy for healing drops, so wounds heal more slowly, remain open, and are more prone to infection. This systemic limitation explains why many chronic wounds persist despite care. The other factors—reinury, poor protection, or exposure to others with infection—can worsen healing but don’t address the fundamental barrier to repair as effectively as malnutrition does.

Wound healing relies on adequate nutrition, especially protein and sufficient calories, to support collagen formation, tissue repair, and immune defense. When protein-calorie intake is deficient, collagen synthesis slows, immune function is impaired, and energy for healing drops, so wounds heal more slowly, remain open, and are more prone to infection. This systemic limitation explains why many chronic wounds persist despite care. The other factors—reinury, poor protection, or exposure to others with infection—can worsen healing but don’t address the fundamental barrier to repair as effectively as malnutrition does.