Physical Therapy Assistant Practice Exam

What type of healing is synonymous with delayed primary intention, considering wound complications?

1. Healing by secondary intention

2. Healing by tertiary intention

3. Healing by primary intention

4. Healing by delayed primary intention

The correct answer is: Healing by tertiary intention

Delayed primary intention, also known as tertiary intention healing, occurs when a wound is initially closed with sutures after a period of time has elapsed to allow for proper management of the wound. This method is typically employed when there is a high risk of infection or when the wound has been left open temporarily for cleaning or debridement. The rationale behind this approach is to allow for inflammation and infection control before closing the wound, which ultimately enhances healing and minimizes complications that could arise from immediate closure. In this context, tertiary intention healing specifically addresses the scenario where a wound initially heals by secondary intention (where it heals from the edges inward without surgical closure) and is then closed at a later stage when it is deemed safe to do so. This method can be particularly beneficial in cases of contaminated or infected wounds where it is necessary to first ensure that the area is clean before proceeding with closure. Understanding this distinction is critical for managing wounds effectively and reducing the risk of complications, thereby optimizing the healing process for patients.