Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse Practice Test

During which stage of healing does granulation tissue form and epithelialization occur?

1. The maturation phase

2. The epithelial closure phase

3. The inflammatory phase

4. The proliferative phase

The correct answer is: The proliferative phase

During the proliferative phase of wound healing, granulation tissue forms, which is rich in blood vessels and connective tissue cells. Epithelialization, where new epithelial cells migrate and cover the wound, also occurs during this phase. The proliferative phase is when the wound begins to fill in with new tissue, and is a crucial stage in the overall healing process. In contrast: - The inflammatory phase begins immediately after injury and involves vasoconstriction, vasodilation, and the release of various inflammatory mediators to start the healing process. - The maturation phase follows the proliferative phase and involves remodeling of the new tissue to increase its tensile strength and flexibility. - The epithelial closure phase is not a recognized stage of wound healing; rather, it is a term used to describe the final step where the wound is fully covered by newly formed epithelial cells.