Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN) Practice Exam

How should a wound be dressed for effective chemical debridement?

1. Change dressing every 24 hours

2. Change dressing every 12 hours and use a sealant for protection

3. Leave the dressing on until it falls off

4. Use a single layered gauze dressing only

The correct answer is: Change dressing every 12 hours and use a sealant for protection

For effective chemical debridement, the correct dressing approach is to change the dressing every 12 hours and use a sealant for protection. This method allows for optimal efficacy of the chemical agent being used for debridement while maintaining a moist environment that promotes healing and prevents the dressing from adhering to the wound. Changing the dressing every 12 hours ensures that any debris or necrotic tissue is adequately exposed to the chemical agent, facilitating the debridement process. Additionally, using a sealant protects the wound from external contaminants and helps retain moisture, which is critical for effective healing. A 24-hour dressing change may not allow sufficient interaction time between the chemical agent and the necrotic tissue, potentially reducing the effectiveness of the treatment. Meanwhile, leaving a dressing on until it falls off may expose the wound to increased risk of infection and may not provide the necessary wound management to promote healing. Using a single layered gauze dressing only might not provide the necessary absorption and moisture retention, which are essential components for effective chemical debridement.