Inflammation and repair: wound dehiscence: practice question

A Pathology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

Try it

Pathology · Inflammation and repair: wound dehiscence

Sample item

Ten days after abdominal surgery, an obese diabetic patient on long-term prednisolone has the wound open up with a coughing fit. Which factor most directly weakens the repair?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Glucocorticoid inhibition of inflammation and collagen synthesis

Glucocorticoids suppress the inflammatory response and collagen synthesis, weakening the wound. Diabetes, obesity and mechanical stress add to the risk. Vitamin C aids healing, so excess does not cause dehiscence.

Option by option

  • A. High oestrogen levels

    Oestrogen is not a recognised cause of impaired wound strength.

  • B. Excess vitamin C intake

    Vitamin C is needed for collagen and does not delay healing.

  • C. Hyperdynamic wound blood supply

    Good blood supply favours healing, whereas poor perfusion delays it.

  • D. Glucocorticoid inhibition of inflammation and collagen synthesis (correct)

    Correct. Steroids impair inflammation and collagen deposition.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Pathology questions

Questions about this Pathology question

What is the answer to this Pathology question?

The best answer is D, Glucocorticoid inhibition of inflammation and collagen synthesis. Glucocorticoids suppress the inflammatory response and collagen synthesis, weakening the wound.

Why is "High oestrogen levels" not the answer?

Oestrogen is not a recognised cause of impaired wound strength.

Why is "Excess vitamin C intake" not the answer?

Vitamin C is needed for collagen and does not delay healing.

Why is "Hyperdynamic wound blood supply" not the answer?

Good blood supply favours healing, whereas poor perfusion delays it.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Inflammation and repair: wound dehiscence in Pathology. Diabetes, obesity and mechanical stress add to the risk. Vitamin C aids healing, so excess does not cause dehiscence.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Inflammation and repair: wound dehiscence?

Learn each disease as a bundle: cause, key histology, markers, and the clinical hallmark. Then use the flashcards and the other Pathology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.