LVN Wound Care & Dressing Techniques 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patient has a stage III pressure ulcer with moderate exudate and no signs of infection. Which dressing type is most appropriate?
- Dry gauze dressing changed twice daily
- Foam dressing to absorb exudate and maintain moisture balance (Correct answer)
- Dry transparent film dressing
- Dry hydrocolloid dressing left in place for 7 days
Correct answer: Foam dressing to absorb exudate and maintain moisture balance
Foam dressings are ideal for moderately to heavily exudating wounds as they absorb excess moisture while maintaining a moist wound environment.
Question 2: When performing a wound irrigation, the LVN should use a syringe and catheter tip to deliver solution at which pressure range to effectively cleanse without damaging tissue?
- 1–4 psi
- 4–15 psi (Correct answer)
- 15–30 psi
- 30–60 psi
Correct answer: 4–15 psi
The recommended irrigation pressure of 4–15 psi is sufficient to remove debris and bacteria without traumatizing fragile wound tissue.
Question 3: A tunneling wound is documented as having a tunnel at 3 o'clock position, 4 cm deep. Using the clock face method, where is 3 o'clock located relative to the patient?
- Toward the patient's head
- Toward the patient's left side
- Toward the patient's right side (Correct answer)
- Toward the patient's feet
Correct answer: Toward the patient's right side
Using the clock face with 12 o'clock toward the patient's head, 3 o'clock corresponds to the patient's right side.
Question 4: Which finding in a healing wound indicates the proliferative phase of wound healing?
- Presence of fibrin slough covering the wound bed
- Bright red, moist granulation tissue filling the wound (Correct answer)
- Eschar formation over the wound surface
- Erythema and warmth extending 3 cm from wound edges
Correct answer: Bright red, moist granulation tissue filling the wound
Bright red granulation tissue signals active proliferation, collagen synthesis, and new blood vessel formation in the healing wound.
Question 5: An LVN is caring for a patient with a venous leg ulcer. Which intervention is most important to include in the care plan?
- Apply ice packs to reduce swelling
- Elevate the limb and apply compression therapy (Correct answer)
- Keep the limb in a dependent position to promote circulation
- Apply heat to improve arterial blood flow
Correct answer: Elevate the limb and apply compression therapy
Elevation reduces edema and compression therapy improves venous return, which are the cornerstones of venous ulcer management.
Question 6: When applying an alginate dressing to a heavily exudating wound, the LVN should:
- Pack the alginate tightly into the wound to maximize absorption
- Loosely fill the wound cavity, leaving room for gel expansion (Correct answer)
- Apply only to the wound edges, not the wound bed
- Wet the alginate with saline before applying it
Correct answer: Loosely fill the wound cavity, leaving room for gel expansion
Alginate should loosely fill the wound because it expands as it absorbs exudate and converts to a gel; tight packing can damage tissue.
Question 7: A diabetic patient has a neuropathic foot ulcer with callus formation around the wound edges. What is the priority concern the LVN should report to the provider?
- Callus tissue increases moisture retention around the wound
- Callus acts as a barrier to wound contraction and healing (Correct answer)
- Callus indicates the wound is progressing to the remodeling phase
- Callus formation is a normal protective response requiring no action
Correct answer: Callus acts as a barrier to wound contraction and healing
Callus (hyperkeratosis) around a neuropathic ulcer impedes wound contraction and epithelialization, requiring debridement by the provider.
LVN Wound Care & Dressing Techniques 2
A patient has a stage III pressure ulcer with moderate exudate and no signs of infection.
Which dressing type is most appropriate?