Which of the following is a sign that a wound may become chronic?

The presence of an absence of new tissue growth after four weeks is a significant indicator that a wound may become chronic. In wound healing, the initial phases typically involve inflammation, followed by proliferation, where new tissue begins to form. If there is no new tissue growth after this period, it can suggest that the healing process is stalled or impaired. This may be due to various factors, including inadequate blood supply, infection, or underlying health conditions that hinder healing. Recognizing this sign allows healthcare providers to assess and address potential barriers to healing, which is critical in preventing the wound from becoming chronic.

In contrast, signs of improving healing indicate a positive response and a trajectory toward resolution rather than chronicity. Wound infection, while it can retain a wound in a non-healing state, does not specifically denote chronicity on its own, as infections are typically treatable and can lead to healing once resolved. Frequent dressing changes may be necessary based on the wound's condition but are not inherently indicative of chronicity unless coupled with other factors like stasis or poor healing progress.