Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON) Practice Test

What is an example of a common complication that can lead to fistula formation?

1. Physical therapy complications

2. Malnutrition

3. Adequate surgical healing

4. Overuse injuries

The correct answer is: Malnutrition

Malnutrition is a significant factor that can lead to complications, including the formation of fistulas. Adequate nutrition is essential for wound healing and maintaining skin integrity. Inadequate protein and caloric intake can compromise cellular repair processes, decrease tensile strength of healing tissues, and ultimately lead to complications such as dehiscence and fistula formation. Fistulas often arise due to the inability of tissues to heal properly, and malnutrition can exacerbate this problem by impairing the immune response and delaying the resolution of inflammation. Patients who are malnourished are at a higher risk for various complications, including the development of abnormal connections between organs or vessels, which characterize fistulas. In contrast, adequate surgical healing would typically reduce the risk of complications, while physical therapy complications and overuse injuries are less directly related to fistula formation. These factors might contribute to different outcomes but do not have the same direct impact on the occurrence of fistulas as malnutrition does.