Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON) Practice Test

What should you assess prior to performing a myocutaneous flap?

1. The patient's stress levels

2. The patient's financial situation

3. The patient's nutritional status

4. The presence of chronic diseases only

The correct answer is: The patient's nutritional status

Assessing the patient's nutritional status prior to performing a myocutaneous flap is crucial for several reasons. Adequate nutrition is fundamental for wound healing and tissue regeneration. A well-nourished patient is more likely to have better outcomes from surgical procedures, particularly those involving complex tissue manipulation like myocutaneous flaps. These flaps rely on the viability of both muscle and skin tissues, and malnutrition can lead to impaired healing, increased risk of infection, and potential flap failure. Nutritional deficiencies can compromise the healing process, leading to complications that may require additional interventions. Thus, evaluating the patient’s nutritional status helps identify any deficiencies that can be addressed preoperatively, such as ensuring proper caloric intake, adequate protein levels, and essential vitamins and minerals that support healing. Contextually, while assessing stress levels, financial situations, and chronic diseases may be relevant to a patient's overall care and preparation for surgery, they do not have the same direct impact on the physiological processes involved in healing surgical wounds as nutritional status does.