Wound Care Flashcards

Which wound bed tissue type appears as yellow, stringy, and moist and indicates the presence of devitalized tissue?

Answer: Slough

Slough is devitalized tissue that appears yellow, tan, or green and stringy or mucinous, requiring debridement to promote healing.

A patient with a stage 3 pressure injury has a wound measuring 4 cm × 3 cm × 1.5 cm deep with moderate exudate. Which dressing is MOST appropriate?

Answer: Alginate dressing

Alginate dressings are highly absorbent and ideal for moderate-to-heavy exudate wounds with depth, forming a gel that maintains moisture balance.

What is the primary goal of the TIME framework in wound bed preparation?

Answer: Addressing barriers to wound healing systematically

TIME (Tissue, Infection/Inflammation, Moisture, Edge) is a framework to identify and address wound healing barriers systematically.

Which type of debridement is MOST selective and removes only necrotic tissue while preserving healthy tissue?

Answer: Enzymatic debridement

Enzymatic debridement uses chemical agents like collagenase to selectively break down necrotic tissue without damaging viable tissue.

A patient presents with a venous leg ulcer. Which ankle-brachial index (ABI) range indicates safe application of full compression therapy?

Answer: ABI 0.8–1.2

An ABI of 0.8–1.2 indicates adequate arterial flow, making full compression therapy safe for venous ulcer management.

Which factor is the MOST critical in determining wound healing potential in a patient with diabetes?

Answer: Glycemic control (HbA1c)

Elevated HbA1c reflects poor long-term glycemic control, which impairs immune function, collagen synthesis, and microvascular perfusion critical to wound healing.

In negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), what is the standard continuous pressure setting used for most wounds?

Answer: -125 mmHg

The standard continuous pressure for NPWT is -125 mmHg, which promotes granulation, reduces edema, and draws wound edges together.