CERTIFIED WOUND
SPECIALIST CWS
PRACTICE TEST
Question 1: Which ulcer appearance is most consistent with arterial ischemia?
Choices:
1) Shallow irregular ulcer with heavy drainage and edema 2) Moist intertriginous erosion 3) Super�cial tape-related skin tear 4) Punched-out distal ulcer with cool skin and diminished pulses
Correct Answer: Punched-out distal ulcer with cool skin and diminished pulses
Explanation: Arterial ulcers often occur distally, have well-de�ned or punched-out borders, and are associated with cool skin and reduced pulses.Page 1
Question 2: Which parameter is most useful for identifying whether a wound is
making meaningful progress over several weeks?
Choices:
1) One random blood pressure measurement 2) Trend in wound area or volume using consistent measurements 3) Single wound odor assessment 4) Patient age alone
Correct Answer: Trend in wound area or volume using consistent measurements
Explanation: Serial standardized measurements provide objective evidence of healing trajectory; a single isolated observation is much less informative.Question 3: Which wound should raise suspicion for pressure from footwear rather than spontaneous arterial ulceration?
Choices:
1) Irregular medial gaiter ulcer with edema 2) Retiform purpura in kidney failure 3) Violaceous ulcer with pathergy 4) A blister or ulcer precisely matching a shoe seam or prominent pressure point Correct Answer: A blister or ulcer precisely matching a shoe seam or prominent pressure point Explanation: A lesion conforming to a footwear pressure point suggests repetitive mechanical trauma, especially when sensation is impaired.Page 2
Question 4: What is the major advantage of the University of Texas diabetic foot classi�cation over a depth-only system?
Choices:
1) It stages burns by body surface area 2) It incorporates wound depth plus infection and ischemia 3) It excludes perfusion assessment 4) It applies only to pressure injuries
Correct Answer: It incorporates wound depth plus infection and ischemia
Explanation: The University of Texas system adds infection and ischemia to depth, capturing important prognostic factors beyond wound depth alone.Question 5: Which structure is most responsible for returning excess interstitial �uid and macromolecules to the circulation?
Choices:
1) Lymphatic system 2) Epidermal rete ridges 3) Peripheral motor nerves 4) Sweat glands
Correct Answer: Lymphatic system
Explanation: Lymphatic vessels remove interstitial �uid and macromolecules; lymphatic dysfunction can contribute to persistent edema and tissue changes.Page 3