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

What is a recommended method for managing wound edges that close prematurely?

1. Observation only

2. AgNO3 cauterization

3. Encouraging tension on the skin

4. Application of antibiotic ointment

The correct answer is: AgNO3 cauterization

Using AgNO3 (silver nitrate) cauterization is an effective method for managing wound edges that close prematurely. This approach is particularly useful in cases where the edges of the wound have adhered to each other too quickly, which can result in complications such as poor healing, necrosis, or increased scarring. The use of silver nitrate provides a controlled way to cauterize and remove excess granulation tissue without causing extensive damage to the surrounding healthy tissue. It acts by applying a chemical compound that helps to disrupt the premature closure and allows for better adjustments to the wound healing process. This can promote proper closure and heal the wound more effectively over time. In contrast, simply observing the wound may not address the problem of premature closure, allowing potential complications to develop without intervention. Encouraging tension on the skin could further aggravate the situation by leading to discomfort or additional skin damage. Likewise, the application of antibiotic ointment would not specifically address the issue of wound edges closing too soon, as it is more suited for infection prevention rather than management of wound edge complications.