Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON) Practice Test

What daily dosage of corticosteroids is concerning for wound healing?

1. 10mg/day

2. 20mg/day

3. 30mg/day

4. 40mg/day

The correct answer is: 40mg/day

Corticosteroids are known to have significant effects on wound healing, primarily because they can suppress the inflammatory response and inhibit fibroblast function, which is crucial for the healing process. A daily dosage of 40mg is particularly concerning because at this level, corticosteroids can markedly impede the healing of wounds. High doses of corticosteroids, especially those exceeding 20mg per day, are associated with an increased risk of complications related to wound healing, such as delayed closure, increased risk of infection, and decreased tensile strength of the healed tissue. When evaluating the effects of corticosteroids on wound healing, it's important to recognize that the threshold for concerns often lies around 20mg and above; however, 40mg is distinctly higher, which amplifies these negative effects. In clinical practice, identifying patients on corticosteroid treatment and understanding the doses they are receiving is crucial, particularly in the context of managing wounds or when surgical procedures are planned. Monitoring and possibly adjusting the dosage may be necessary to optimize the healing potential in patients receiving higher doses of corticosteroids.