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

What is the primary function of antiseptics?

1. To promote wound healing

2. To reduce bacterial counts on wound surface and restore bacterial balance

3. To numb the pain in the wound area

4. To act as a barrier against moisture

The correct answer is: To reduce bacterial counts on wound surface and restore bacterial balance

The primary function of antiseptics is to reduce bacterial counts on the wound surface and restore bacterial balance. Antiseptics are chemical agents that are applied to living tissues to prevent infection by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms. They are commonly used in wound care to cleanse the wound area, minimize the risk of infection, and support the body's natural healing processes by creating a cleaner environment. This is crucial because a lower bacterial load helps prevent contamination, which can lead to complications. While promoting wound healing is an important aspect of overall wound care, it is not the main function of antiseptics; instead, their primary role focuses specifically on reducing microbial presence. Numbing pain is typically the role of analgesics rather than antiseptics. Similarly, barriers against moisture are more accurately the function of other products, such as dressings or ointments designed to keep the wound moist and protected.