Certified Hyperbaric Technologist Practice Test

Which key steps in wound healing require oxygen?

1. Leukocyte function and infection control, new capillary growth and epithelial coverage

2. Fibroblast function and collagen formation, leukocyte function and infection control, new capillary growth and epithelial coverage

3. Neutrophil function and tissue repair

4. Epithelial proliferation and dermal repair

The correct answer is: Fibroblast function and collagen formation, leukocyte function and infection control, new capillary growth and epithelial coverage

The key steps in wound healing that require oxygen include various processes essential for proper healing and recovery. The correct answer encompasses fibroblast function and collagen formation, leukocyte function and infection control, as well as new capillary growth and epithelial coverage. Oxygen plays a critical role in the healing process. Fibroblasts, which are essential for wound healing, rely heavily on oxygen to produce collagen and extracellular matrix components that provide structural integrity to the healed tissue. Collagen formation is vital for strengthening the wound area and restoring tissue function. Leukocyte function, particularly through neutrophils and macrophages, is crucial for infection control. These cells perform their functions more effectively in oxygen-rich environments, which aid in clearing pathogens and debris from the wound site. Additionally, new capillary growth, known as angiogenesis, is driven by the presence of oxygen. Oxygen acts as a signaling molecule in various cellular processes that promote the formation of new blood vessels, ensuring that the healing tissues receive adequate oxygen and nutrients. Epithelial coverage, which involves the migration and proliferation of epithelial cells to cover the wound, also benefits from oxygen availability as it stimulates cellular processes vital for the re-epithelialization of the wound. Thus, the comprehensive nature of the answer