Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse Practice Exam

What term describes the softening of tissue by wetting or soaking?

1. Eschar

2. Maceration

3. Sloughing

4. Angiogenesis

The correct answer is: Maceration

The term that describes the softening of tissue by wetting or soaking is maceration. This process occurs when tissue is exposed to moisture for an extended period, leading to the breakdown of the skin or other soft tissues. Maceration is often seen in clinical settings, particularly in patients with wounds that remain moist for too long, as this can delay healing and increase the risk of infection. In contrast, eschar refers to dead tissue that forms a thick, scab-like layer, while sloughing is the shedding or peeling off of dead tissue. Angiogenesis is the process of new blood vessel formation, which is critical for wound healing but does not pertain to the softening of tissue through soaking. Understanding these terms is essential for effective assessment and management of wounds and related care practices.