National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

Based on the description of a wound located along the lateral malleoli with pale, cool skin lacking hair growth, which wound type best fits this description?

1. Traumatic

2. Arterial

3. Neuropathic

4. Venous

The correct answer is: Arterial

The description of a wound located along the lateral malleoli, characterized by pale, cool skin with a lack of hair growth, strongly indicates an arterial wound. This type of wound typically arises due to inadequate blood flow resulting from arterial insufficiency. The pale and cool skin is a sign of reduced blood circulation, which can lead to tissue ischemia. Furthermore, the absence of hair growth in the area is consistent with impaired blood supply since normal hair follicles require adequate nutrients and oxygen delivered through blood flow. In arterial wounds, other factors such as the presence of claudication when walking or leg pain may be noted, along with the likelihood of the wound occurring on the lower extremities due to the anatomical paths of blood supply. Understanding these characteristics is crucial for identifying the type of wound and determining the appropriate treatment strategy. Consequently, while traumatic wounds are sudden injuries, neuropathic wounds are typically associated with diabetes and have other signs, and venous ulcers often appear with associated swelling and discoloration, none of those options align with the specific indicators presented in this scenario. Thus, the combination of pale, cold skin and lack of hair growth aligns explicitly with the features of an arterial wound.