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

What is the role of debridement in wound care?

1. To enhance superficial healing

2. To remove dead or infected tissue

3. To apply medication to the surface

4. To protect from external contaminants

The correct answer is: To remove dead or infected tissue

Debridement plays a crucial role in wound care primarily by removing dead or infected tissue. This process is essential for several reasons. Firstly, dead tissue can impede the healing process by providing a medium for bacteria to thrive, leading to potential infection. By removing this necrotic tissue, the body can better focus its healing processes on healthy tissue. Additionally, debridement helps to promote the formation of granulation tissue, which is vital for wound healing. The removal of unhealthy tissue allows for better blood flow and oxygenation to the wound bed. This is particularly important because adequate perfusion is necessary for the delivery of immune cells and other necessary components for tissue repair. While enhancing superficial healing, applying medication, and providing protection from contaminants are important aspects of wound management, they do not directly address the need to clear away non-viable tissue, which is a fundamental step for creating an optimal healing environment.