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

What is a recommended premedication for dressing changes in painful wounds?

1. Intravenous sedatives

2. Topical lidocaine

3. Oral antihistamines

4. Localized cold therapy

The correct answer is: Topical lidocaine

Topical lidocaine is a recommended premedication for dressing changes in painful wounds because it serves as a local anesthetic that can effectively numb the area before the procedure. This can significantly reduce pain and discomfort associated with the dressing change. By applying topical lidocaine, clinicians can enhance patient comfort during what can be a painful experience due to the manipulation of the wound and the potential exposure of sensitive tissue. Other options are less effective in this context. Intravenous sedatives, while they can help with anxiety or significant pain, may not be practical for routine dressing changes due to the risk of deeper sedation and the need for monitoring. Oral antihistamines generally help with allergic reactions rather than serving as a pain relief method for wounds. Localized cold therapy might numb the area temporarily but does not provide the same level of localized pain relief as topical lidocaine, making it less suitable for managing pain during dressing changes.