Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON) Practice Test

Who is most likely to experience friction skin damage?

1. Individuals with resilient skin

2. Those who undergo surgery

3. Fragile/macerated skin individuals

4. Healthy adolescents and children

The correct answer is: Fragile/macerated skin individuals

Individuals with fragile or macerated skin are most likely to experience friction skin damage due to the nature of their skin integrity. Fragile skin is thinner, more susceptible to damage from mechanical forces such as friction, pressure, or shear. Macerated skin, which occurs when skin is overly moist and weak, also has a reduced structural integrity, making it more vulnerable to friction-related injuries. This can lead to conditions such as abrasions or skin tears, particularly in areas where there is increased contact with clothing or bedding. In contrast, individuals with resilient skin are better equipped to withstand friction without sustaining injury. Surgical patients may only experience friction damage temporarily and not inherently due to their surgical status. Healthy adolescents and children typically have skin that is robust and resilient, making them less likely to suffer from friction skin damage in the absence of specific risk factors. Thus, fragile or macerated skin clearly aligns with higher risk for friction-related injuries.