10 exam-style questions with answers and explanations, straight from our 1,030-question bank. Tap an answer to check yourself. When you're ready, take the scored version in the free practice test.
The CWCA exam has 120 questions and runs 2 hours 30 minutes.
These 10 free CWCA questions are organized by exam domain, so you can see how each part of the Certified Wound Care Associate blueprint is tested. Reveal the answer and explanation under each question.
An open wound is healing by secondary intention. Its margins are being drawn inward while a thin epithelial layer advances over the wound bed. Which cells are chiefly responsible for contraction and epithelial coverage, respectively?
Correct answer: D - Myofibroblasts and keratinocytes
Examination of a patient with longstanding diabetes reveals reduced plantar sensation, claw toes, and markedly dry, fissured soles. Perfusion is adequate, and there is no edema. The skin dryness is most directly explained by which mechanism?
Correct answer: C - Autonomic nerve injury that reduces sweat production
A pressure injury over the lateral ankle measures 1.0 by 0.8 cm and is 0.3 cm deep. Its clean base contains exposed tendon, with no slough or eschar. How should this injury be classified?
Correct answer: C - Stage 4 pressure injury
For a right-leg vascular assessment, the systolic pressures are: right brachial 150 mmHg, left brachial 120 mmHg, right dorsalis pedis 90 mmHg, and right posterior tibial 108 mmHg. Which ankle-brachial index and diagnostic interpretation should be reported for the right leg?
Correct answer: B - 0.72; abnormal, supporting peripheral artery disease
An 81-year-old patient's Braden score rises from 11 to 17 during rehabilitation. Food intake has improved, but the patient still cannot make substantial position changes in bed and is frequently incontinent of urine. The skin remains intact. How should the improved score affect prevention?
Correct answer: B - Maintain assisted repositioning and moisture protection for the remaining risks.
A man with diabetes and loss of protective sensation has a slowly healing plantar first-metatarsal-head ulcer. The bed is granulating, drainage is scant, and perfusion testing is satisfactory. There is no erythema, warmth, swelling, purulence, or fever. A superficial swab taken elsewhere grows Staphylococcus aureus. He tolerates his removable knee-high walker but wears it only outdoors and walks unprotected at home. Follow-up is reliable. What should the treating team prioritize?
Correct answer: A - Consider a nonremovable knee-high offloading device.
At each daily dressing change, a shallow granulating wound has copious serous drainage, a saturated cover, and pale, softened surrounding skin. There is no necrosis, spreading erythema, or increasing pain. Which dressing arrangement best corrects the current moisture problem?
Correct answer: C - Gelling fiber beneath an absorbent secondary dressing
By evening, a patient's lower legs are swollen and aching; elevation relieves the discomfort. An ulcer above the medial malleolus is shallow, irregular, and heavily draining. The surrounding skin has brown pigmentation and firm thickening. These findings point primarily to:
Correct answer: A - Chronic venous hypertension
A 9-month-old is being assessed for a diaper rash that has not resolved with frequent diaper changes and barrier care. Which finding most clearly favors candidal involvement over uncomplicated irritant dermatitis?
Correct answer: A - Inflamed groin folds with peripheral satellite pustules.
An adult receiving hospice care has a chronic wound unlikely to close. Sharp debridement causes severe pain, and there is no spreading infection or urgent need for drainage. The patient has decision-making capacity, understands the tradeoffs, and asks to avoid further debridement; family members insist it continue. What should guide the next care plan?
Correct answer: D - Honor the patient's choice and set goals for symptom relief.
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