Which scenario is a contraindication due to risk of wound healing impairment?

• A. Open wounds over a weight-bearing surface
• B. A history of hay fever
• C. Normal blood glucose
• D. No prior injuries

Answer: (A)

Wound healing requires protecting the area from mechanical stress. An open wound on a weight-bearing surface faces constant pressure, shear, and friction during movement, which can disrupt tissue repair, delay granulation, and increase infection risk. In a setting like hippotherapy, where the client is repeatedly loaded and moved, this combination makes healing outcomes worse, so it’s a contraindication until the wound has enough protection and healing progresses.

The other scenarios don’t inherently impair wound healing: hay fever is an allergic condition affecting the nose/eyes, not tissue repair; normal blood glucose supports healing; and having no prior injuries doesn’t indicate a wound healing risk.