Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN) Practice Exam

What can an imbalance between the lysis and synthesis of collagen fibers lead to?

1. Normal scar formation

2. Hypertrophic or keloid formation

3. Enhanced healing process

4. Faster maturation of scars

The correct answer is: Hypertrophic or keloid formation

An imbalance between the lysis and synthesis of collagen fibers can lead to hypertrophic or keloid formation because these conditions arise when there is excessive collagen production or insufficient degradation of collagen fibers. In a normal healing process, there is a balance between collagen synthesis, where the body produces new collagen to heal tissue, and lysis, where old or excess collagen is broken down. When the synthesis of collagen exceeds the lysis, especially during the maturation phase of wound healing, it results in excess collagen accumulation, leading to the development of raised, thickened scars known as hypertrophic scars or keloids. These types of scars extend beyond the original wound border in the case of keloids and remain raised even after the wound has healed. Understanding this balance is crucial for wound care and management, as interventions can be designed to optimize the healing process and minimize the risk of aggressive scar formation.