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

What role do growth factors play in wound healing?

1. Prevent infection

2. Attract immune cells and promote healing

3. Strengthen collagen structure

4. Regulate pigmentation

The correct answer is: Attract immune cells and promote healing

Growth factors play a crucial role in wound healing by initiating and regulating various cellular processes. They are signaling proteins that attract immune cells to the site of injury, which is essential for the inflammatory phase of wound healing. By attracting immune cells, growth factors help to streamline the body's response to the injury, ensuring that any potential infection is addressed and that debris is cleared away, both of which are vital for creating a favorable environment for healing. Furthermore, growth factors stimulate the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts and other cells necessary for tissue regeneration and repair. They help manage the transition between different phases of wound healing, such as from inflammation to proliferation, promoting angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels) and supporting the synthesis of extracellular matrix components, including collagen. This multifaceted role underscores why they are integral to the healing process. The other choices do touch on relevant aspects of wound healing but do not fully encompass the comprehensive function of growth factors. For instance, while they do help in preventing infection, their primary function goes beyond this to include promoting healing. Similarly, while they do play a role in collagen synthesis indirectly, their main role is not to strengthen the collagen structure itself. Regulating pigmentation is also not a direct role of growth factors in the context