NMC OSCE Wound Care & Tissue Viability 2

Question 1

A patient has a dry, necrotic wound with hard eschar. Which dressing type would best facilitate autolytic debridement?

Accepted Answer

Hydrogel dressing

Answer

Hydrogel dressings donate moisture to dry, necrotic wounds, rehydrating eschar and enabling the body's own enzymes to break down devitalised tissue through autolytic debridement.

Question 2

Which pressure ulcer risk assessment tool is most widely used and recommended in UK clinical practice?

Accepted Answer

Waterlow Score

Answer

The Waterlow Score was developed specifically for UK NHS settings and is the most widely used and recommended pressure ulcer risk assessment tool in UK clinical practice.

Question 3

A patient presents with a venous leg ulcer. In which anatomical location is a venous leg ulcer MOST commonly found?

Accepted Answer

In the gaiter area around the medial malleolus

Answer

Venous leg ulcers characteristically develop in the gaiter area, particularly around and above the medial malleolus, due to venous hypertension and pooling in this region.

Question 4

Before applying compression bandaging to a patient with a leg ulcer, which investigation is ESSENTIAL to rule out arterial insufficiency?

Accepted Answer

Ankle Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI)

Answer

ABPI must be measured before applying compression bandaging to confirm adequate arterial blood supply, as compression is contraindicated in significant arterial disease.

Question 5

According to NICE guidelines, when should a wound swab be taken for microbiological analysis?

Accepted Answer

When clinical signs of infection are present

Answer

Wound swabs should only be taken when clinical signs of infection are present (erythema, warmth, increased pain, purulent exudate), as all wounds carry bacteria and routine swabbing is not recommended.

NMC OSCE Practice Test

NMC OSCE Practice Test

NMC OSCE Wound Care & Tissue Viability 2