Wound Care Certification Exam Wound Care Certification Debridement Methods and Indications 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Conservative sharp debridement is defined as removal of devitalized tissue:
- Only in an operating room setting
- Without intentional cutting of viable tissue (Correct answer)
- Under general anesthesia
- Only by licensed physicians
Correct answer: Without intentional cutting of viable tissue
Conservative sharp debridement removes only non-viable tissue without cutting into viable tissue, differentiating it from surgical debridement.
Question 2: Which instruments are most commonly used for bedside conservative sharp debridement?
- Electrocautery unit
- Scalpel and curette (Correct answer)
- Ultrasound device
- Dermatome
Correct answer: Scalpel and curette
Scalpel and curette are the primary instruments for bedside conservative sharp debridement, allowing precise removal of necrotic tissue.
Question 3: Surgical debridement in the operating room is MOST appropriate for wounds with:
- Small amounts of superficial slough
- Stable dry eschar on heels
- Deep infection, exposed structures, or large necrotic tissue burden (Correct answer)
- Minor fibrinous exudate
Correct answer: Deep infection, exposed structures, or large necrotic tissue burden
OR debridement is indicated for wounds with deep infection, osteomyelitis, exposed bone or tendon, or extensive necrosis requiring wider tissue excision.
Question 4: What is the appropriate management IMMEDIATELY after sharp debridement of a wound?
- Leave wound open to air
- Apply a dry gauze dressing
- Apply appropriate moist wound dressing and reassess for bleeding (Correct answer)
- Irrigate with full-strength hydrogen peroxide
Correct answer: Apply appropriate moist wound dressing and reassess for bleeding
After sharp debridement, a moist wound dressing appropriate for the wound status should be applied while monitoring for and controlling bleeding.
Question 5: Hydrosurgery debridement (e.g., VERSAJET) works by:
- Enzymatic breakdown of necrotic tissue
- High-pressure water jet that simultaneously cuts and evacuates tissue (Correct answer)
- Electrical stimulation to liquefy eschar
- Ultrasonic cavitation of bacteria
Correct answer: High-pressure water jet that simultaneously cuts and evacuates tissue
Hydrosurgery devices use a high-velocity saline jet that cuts and simultaneously evacuates devitalized tissue with precision.
Question 6: Which professional scope of practice typically permits conservative sharp debridement in the US?
- Wound care certified nurses (CWCN) in many states (Correct answer)
- Only medical doctors
- Only surgeons
- Only podiatrists
Correct answer: Wound care certified nurses (CWCN) in many states
Wound care certified nurses (CWCN) in many US states are within scope to perform conservative sharp debridement, though regulations vary by state.
Wound Care Certification Exam Wound Care Certification Debridement Methods and Indications 2
Conservative sharp debridement is defined as removal of devitalized tissue: