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

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What typically causes a vasculitic ulcer?

Infection of the foot
Nerve damage
Inflammation and necrosis of blood vessels
High blood sugar levels

The correct answer is: Inflammation and necrosis of blood vessels

A vasculitic ulcer arises primarily from inflammation and necrosis of blood vessels, which disrupts normal blood flow. This inflammatory process can lead to tissue ischemia and eventual ulceration of the skin due to reduced oxygen and nutrient supply. Conditions that involve vasculitis, such as systemic lupus erythematosus or ANCA-associated vasculitis, are characterized by this inflammation, which can damage the blood vessels supplying the skin and other tissues. The other choices do not directly address the fundamental cause of vasculitic ulcers. While infections of the foot can lead to ulcers, they do not involve the underlying vascular pathology associated with vasculitis. Similarly, nerve damage may result in neuropathic ulcers but does not lead to the same inflammatory process affecting blood vessels. Lastly, while high blood sugar levels in diabetes can lead to various types of ulcers, they are not the primary mechanism for vasculitic ulcers, which are specifically tied to vascular inflammation.