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

Which of the following is a disadvantage of air fluidized therapy?

1. Increases patient comfort

2. Difficult to maintain head elevation

3. Accessible for all patients

4. Generally used for all wound types

The correct answer is: Difficult to maintain head elevation

Air fluidized therapy is designed to provide a supportive environment for patients, particularly those with pressure ulcers, by using a bed system that incorporates a flow of air through a mass of fine particles, creating a fluid-like surface. The correct answer identifies a specific challenge associated with this therapy: maintaining head elevation can be difficult. One reason maintaining head elevation is a concern is due to the the nature of the therapy itself; the air fluidized bed is designed to allow for immersion and envelopment, which can limit the ability to manipulate a patient’s position effectively. When the head of the bed is elevated, it can disrupt the fluid-like properties of the bed, affecting pressure redistribution and potentially leading to inadequate support for the patient. The other options highlight aspects that contribute positively to the therapy’s effectiveness or accessibility. For instance, the therapy is generally designed to increase patient comfort by reducing pressure on sensitive areas, and while it is highly effective, it is not universally accessible to all patients nor is it suitable for every type of wound. Thus, the difficulty with head elevation within the therapy framework is a significant disadvantage when considering patient care and treatment plans.