NCWO Infection Prevention and Control 2

Question 1

Which topical antimicrobial agent is MOST appropriate for a heavily contaminated wound with suspected Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection?

Accepted Answer

Silver-containing dressing

Answer

Silver-containing dressings have broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other gram-negative organisms, making them appropriate for contaminated wounds.

Question 2

Which of the following antiseptics is generally considered cytotoxic to fibroblasts and should be avoided in granulating wounds?

Accepted Answer

Povidone-iodine solution (10%)

Answer

Full-strength povidone-iodine (10%) is cytotoxic to fibroblasts and keratinocytes, impeding wound healing; it should not be used on granulating wounds.

Question 3

A patient with a diabetic foot ulcer develops fever, leukocytosis, and red streaking proximal to the wound. These findings are most consistent with:

Accepted Answer

Cellulitis with possible spreading infection

Answer

Systemic signs (fever, leukocytosis) combined with erythema spreading from the wound margin indicate cellulitis with a spreading soft-tissue infection requiring prompt systemic antibiotic therapy.

Question 4

Standard precautions require that personal protective equipment (PPE) be used:

Accepted Answer

When there is potential contact with blood, body fluids, mucous membranes, or non-intact skin

Answer

Standard precautions apply universally whenever contact with blood, body fluids, mucous membranes, or non-intact skin is possible, regardless of a patient's known infection status.

Question 5

Which characteristic of wound exudate is MOST suggestive of a gram-negative bacterial infection?

Accepted Answer

Thin, green-blue exudate with a sweet fruity odor

Answer

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common gram-negative wound pathogen, characteristically produces thin, blue-green exudate with a distinctive sweet, grape-like or fruity odor.

NCWO - National Certified Wound Ostomy Practice Test

NCWO - National Certified Wound Ostomy Practice Test

NCWO Infection Prevention and Control 2