Wound Care Certification Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Prep Guide

An ulcer located at the medial malleolus with raised margins and a deep base is most consistent with venous ulceration. These types of ulcers are typically associated with chronic venous insufficiency, which leads to increased venous pressure, skin changes, and ultimately ulcer formation. The characteristic appearance includes irregular, raised edges and can be deep due to the inflammatory processes and tissue necrosis associated with prolonged venous hypertension.

In venous ulceration, the poor circulation prevents adequate oxygen and nutrients from reaching the skin and subcutaneous tissues, causing the ulcer to develop mainly in this area. Moreover, the location at the medial malleolus is a classic site for venous ulcers, further supporting this etiology.

While other types of ulcers, such as those caused by diabetes, sickle cell disease, or pressure, have distinct characteristics and common locations, they do not typically present as described in this question. Diabetic ulcers often occur on pressure points of the feet, sickle cell ulcers tend to be painful and occur around the lower leg or tibia, and pressure ulcers usually form over bony prominences. Thus, the specific characteristics of the ulcer indicate that venous ulceration is the most probable cause.