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

What type of dressing should be used for a shallow, wet wound?

1. Moisture-retentive gel

2. Amorphous gel

3. Nonadherent dressing

4. Layered gauze dressings

The correct answer is: Nonadherent dressing

For a shallow, wet wound, a nonadherent dressing is an appropriate choice because it provides a protective barrier without sticking to the wound bed, which can prevent further irritation or damage to the healing tissue. Nonadherent dressings are designed to absorb some exudate while allowing moisture to be retained at the wound site, which is crucial for facilitating the healing process. They also help minimize the risk of pain during dressing changes, as they do not adhere to the granulating tissue. In the context of shallow, wet wounds, maintaining a moist wound environment is beneficial for healing. Nonadherent dressings can achieve this by preventing excess moisture accumulation, which could lead to maceration of the surrounding skin, thereby promoting a conducive environment for healing. Other options may not be as suitable for this specific type of wound. Moisture-retentive gels might provide excessive moisture, which could overwhelm a shallow wound and increase the risk of maceration. Amorphous gels can also retain moisture but are often thicker, possibly not allowing adequate drainage. Layered gauze dressings are generally more appropriate for wounds with higher exudate levels, as they are designed to absorb fluid rather than manage it effectively. Thus, in this case, the non