Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON) Practice Test

Who is an appropriate candidate for a myocutaneous flap?

1. Patients with high risk of infection

2. Those without muscle tissue

3. Individuals at risk for reoccurrence of wounds

4. Patients who heal quickly

The correct answer is: Individuals at risk for reoccurrence of wounds

A myocutaneous flap is a surgical procedure where muscle and overlying skin are used to reconstruct or cover a defect. This technique is particularly beneficial for patients who have challenging wounds that are at risk for recurrence due to the characteristics of the tissue involved, such as insufficient blood supply or underlying infections. Candidates for myocutaneous flaps typically include individuals with a history of chronic wounds or those who are at a high likelihood of having wounds return. The vascularized nature of the flap helps ensure better healing and provides robust coverage, reducing the chance of complications and recurrence. In contrast, individuals with high risk of infection may not be ideal candidates because infections can compromise the healing of flaps. Patients without muscle tissue would not benefit from the myocutaneous component of the flap, and those who heal quickly may actually be better served by less invasive techniques, meaning a myocutaneous flap is not particularly necessary for them.