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

What is the colony count threshold considered indicative of infection in chronic wounds?

1. 10^1

2. 10^2

3. 10^3

4. 10^4

The correct answer is: 10^3

In the context of chronic wounds, a colony count of 10^3 (or 1,000 colony-forming units per gram of tissue) is recognized as the threshold that typically indicates the presence of infection. This level signifies that the bacterial load has surpassed the threshold where it may begin to impede the healing process and suggests the need for clinical intervention. Understanding this threshold is critical in wound care management. Counts below this level generally indicate a state of contamination, which may not significantly affect the healing environment. Conversely, reaching or exceeding a count of 10^3 often implies that the bacteria are active in the wound and could be contributing to delayed healing or systemic issues. Health care professionals use this knowledge to make informed decisions about potential treatment options, including antimicrobial therapies, wound debridement, and more targeted interventions to manage the infection and promote healing.