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

Which of the following is a contraindication to using NPWT?

1. Non-infected surgical wounds

2. Necrotic wounds needing debridement

3. Wounds with minimal exudate

4. Granulating wounds

The correct answer is: Necrotic wounds needing debridement

Using negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has specific indications and contraindications based on the nature of the wound and the healing process. One key contraindication for NPWT is necrotic wounds that require debridement. This is because NPWT can create a vacuum that may lead to further necrosis if dead tissue is present, as it might impede healthy tissue granulation and lead to complications. In such cases, it is crucial to first perform debridement to remove the necrotic tissue, allowing for proper healing before NPWT is applied. The other options presented do not represent contraindications for using NPWT. Non-infected surgical wounds may benefit from NPWT to promote healing, while wounds characterized by minimal exudate typically do not present a risk for NPWT application as they can still be managed with appropriate settings. Granulating wounds can also be effectively treated with NPWT to support granulation tissue formation and further wound healing. Understanding these distinctions is essential for effective wound management.