Orthopaedic Technologist Certified Wound Care and Soft Tissue Management Flashcards

Which wound closure method uses adhesive strips such as Steri-Strips rather than sutures or staples?

Answer: Tape closure

Tape closure uses adhesive strips to approximate wound edges non-invasively and is appropriate for small, clean, low-tension lacerations.

What is the primary purpose of wound debridement in orthopaedic wound care?

Answer: Remove necrotic tissue and contamination to reduce infection risk

Debridement removes devitalized tissue, foreign material, and bacterial burden from the wound to create a clean bed that supports healing.

When layering a wound dressing, which material should be placed in direct contact with the wound surface?

Answer: Non-adherent contact layer

A non-adherent contact layer (e.g., Adaptic, Telfa) placed directly on the wound prevents trauma during dressing changes and protects fragile granulating tissue.

Wound healing where edges are directly approximated and closed with sutures or staples is referred to as healing by which intention?

Answer: Primary intention

Primary intention (primary closure) occurs when wound edges are directly approximated, resulting in minimal scarring and the fastest healing time.

A wound left open to heal from the base upward through granulation tissue formation is healing by which method?

Answer: Secondary intention

Secondary intention healing allows a wound to fill with granulation tissue from the bottom up when primary closure is not possible, such as in infected or contaminated wounds.

What is the most appropriate first action when a surgical wound shows early signs of infection, including erythema, warmth, and purulent drainage?

Answer: Notify the treating physician immediately

Signs of wound infection must be promptly reported to the supervising physician so that appropriate intervention — antibiotics, wound opening, or cultures — can be ordered.