MNT Wound Care & Debridement

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of debridement in medical nail care?

Accepted Answer

To remove necrotic, infected, or damaged tissue to promote healing

Answer

To apply topical medications directly to the nail plate

Answer

To shape the nail for aesthetic improvement

Answer

To strengthen weakened nail structures with a protective coating

Question 2

Which type of debridement uses enzyme preparations to selectively break down and remove necrotic tissue?

Accepted Answer

Enzymatic debridement

Answer

Mechanical debridement

Answer

Surgical debridement

Answer

Autolytic debridement

Question 3

Which solution is most appropriate for wound irrigation during a nail care procedure?

Accepted Answer

Normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride)

Answer

3% hydrogen peroxide

Answer

Povidone-iodine (full strength)

Answer

70% isopropyl alcohol

Question 4

Autolytic debridement works by which mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Allowing the body's own enzymes and moisture to selectively liquefy dead tissue

Answer

Using sharp instruments to excise necrotic tissue

Answer

Applying chemical agents to dissolve slough

Answer

Removing tissue through repeated wet-to-dry dressing changes

Question 5

A patient presents with a foot wound showing purulent drainage, surrounding erythema, warmth, and red streaking up the leg. The most appropriate action is to:

Accepted Answer

Refer the patient immediately to a physician or emergency care

Answer

Perform mechanical debridement and apply a triple antibiotic ointment

Answer

Apply a moisture-retentive dressing and schedule a follow-up in two weeks

Answer

Soak the foot in warm epsom salt water for 20 minutes before treatment

Question 6

Which type of wound dressing is most appropriate for a dry, eschar-covered wound to facilitate autolytic debridement?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogel or hydrocolloid dressing

Answer

Dry gauze dressing changed twice daily

Answer

Calcium alginate dressing

Answer

Dry foam dressing without adhesive border

Question 7

When performing nail debridement on a patient with peripheral arterial disease (PAD), the technician should:

Accepted Answer

Use light, conservative debridement and avoid cutting below the nail margins

Answer

Use aggressive mechanical debridement to fully clear thickened nail tissue in one visit

Answer

Apply heat packs to the foot before treatment to increase local circulation

Answer

Soak the feet for 30 minutes to soften tissue prior to any debridement