Certified Wound Care Nurse (CWCN) Practice Exam 2025 – Comprehensive All-in-One Guide to Success!

The condition that leads to heel fissures due to the loss of moisture in the foot is autonomic neuropathy. This type of neuropathy affects the autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary bodily functions, including the secretion of sweat and oil that keep the skin moisturized. When the autonomic nerves are damaged, as seen in conditions like diabetes, the body may produce less sweat and oil on the skin of the feet. This reduction in natural moisture can lead to dry skin, increased cracking, and ultimately fissures in the heels.

In contrast, other conditions mentioned do not directly implicate moisture regulation of the skin. For instance, peripheral neuropathy primarily affects sensory and motor nerves rather than the autonomic functions. Nonocclusive conditions relate to blood flow and circulation rather than hydration of skin tissues. Macaroni syndrome, while a real condition, does not pertain to moisture loss in feet and is largely peripheral to the context of skin and foot health.

Therefore, recognizing that autonomic neuropathy directly impacts the moisture content of the skin clarifies why it is the correct answer concerning heel fissures.