Wound Care Management Flashcards

Which pressure redistribution device is considered the gold standard for prevention of pressure injuries in high-risk patients?

Answer: Active (alternating pressure) support surface

Active alternating-pressure support surfaces continuously redistribute pressure by cyclically inflating and deflating air cells, reducing sustained tissue loading in high-risk patients.

When caring for a patient with a diabetic foot ulcer (DFU), Charcot neuroarthropathy should be suspected when the foot presents with:

Answer: Warmth, erythema, and swelling in a neuropathic patient without open wound

Charcot neuroarthropathy classically presents with warmth, swelling, and erythema of the foot in a patient with peripheral neuropathy, often mistaken for cellulitis.

The minimum recommended irrigation pressure for effective wound cleansing is:

Answer: 4–15 psi

An irrigation pressure of 4–15 psi is sufficient to remove surface debris and bacteria without traumatizing wound tissue.

A wound that has been present for more than 30 days without measurable progress toward closure is classified as:

Answer: A chronic wound

A wound that fails to progress through the normal healing phases within approximately 30 days is classified as a chronic wound, indicating an underlying impediment to healing.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy promotes wound healing primarily through:

Answer: Delivery of concentrated growth factors to the wound site

PRP concentrates platelets and their associated growth factors (PDGF, TGF-β, VEGF) at the wound site to stimulate cell proliferation and angiogenesis.

Which type of wound is MOST appropriate for treatment with biological skin substitutes (e.g., Apligraf, Dermagraft)?

Answer: Clean, non-infected, non-healing diabetic foot ulcer or venous leg ulcer

Biological skin substitutes are indicated for clean, non-infected chronic wounds such as DFUs or VLUs that have not responded to standard wound care.