Physical Therapy Assistant Practice Exam

Which wound healing type is associated with minimal tissue loss but carries a high risk of complications?

1. Healing by primary intention

2. Healing by secondary intention

3. Healing by tertiary intention

4. Healing by delayed primary intention

The correct answer is: Healing by delayed primary intention

The type of wound healing associated with minimal tissue loss but carries a high risk of complications is delayed primary intention, also known as tertiary intention. This method involves initially leaving a wound open, usually due to contamination or risk of infection, and later closing it once the tissue has better circulation, or the risk of infection has subsided. The process allows for drainage and cleaning of the wound, which can help reduce infection rates. However, because the wound is not closed immediately, there is a period during which the wound is more susceptible to complications, such as infection or delayed healing. As a result, careful monitoring and management of the wound are crucial, which also adds to the complexity of care. In contrast, healing by primary intention typically involves closing a clean wound directly, which minimizes complications and speeds up healing. Healing by secondary intention involves leaving the wound open to heal from the bottom up, which can be necessary for wounds with significant tissue loss, but it generally has a more predictable healing process compared to delayed primary intention. The concept of tertiary intention or delayed primary intention specifically captures the delicate balance between healing and the risk of complications that arises when delays in closure are necessary.