OSCE Wound Care and Dressings

Question 1

When assessing a wound in an OSCE, which mnemonic is commonly used to structure wound assessment documentation?

Accepted Answer

TIMES: Tissue, Infection/Inflammation, Moisture, Edge, Surrounding skin

Answer

SBAR: Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation

Answer

ABCDE: Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure

Answer

SOCRATES: Site, Onset, Character, Radiation, Associated symptoms, Time, Exacerbating/relieving factors, Severity

Question 2

Which wound dressing is most appropriate for a wound with moderate-to-heavy exudate?

Accepted Answer

Alginate or foam dressing — high absorbency manages heavy exudate

Answer

Transparent film dressing — only suitable for low exudate wounds

Answer

Hydrocolloid dressing — suitable for light exudate only

Answer

Dry gauze — insufficient moisture management for heavy exudate

Question 3

What is the correct classification for a pressure ulcer where full-thickness skin loss exposes subcutaneous fat but bone, tendon, and muscle are not visible?

Accepted Answer

Category/Stage 3 pressure ulcer

Answer

Category/Stage 2 — partial thickness skin loss

Answer

Category/Stage 4 — full thickness with exposed bone

Answer

Unstageable — wound bed not visible

Question 4

Before applying a sterile dressing in an OSCE, what is the most critical infection-prevention step?

Accepted Answer

Performing hand hygiene and applying sterile/non-touch technique throughout the procedure

Answer

Wearing a face mask only

Answer

Cleaning the trolley with soap and water alone

Answer

Applying gloves without prior hand hygiene

Question 5

What does 'wound debridement' mean, and why is it important for wound healing?

Accepted Answer

Removal of non-viable (necrotic/sloughy) tissue to convert a chronic wound into an acute healing environment

Answer

Applying antibiotics to a wound without removing dead tissue

Answer

Covering a wound to prevent air exposure

Answer

Irrigating a wound with antiseptic solution only

Question 6

Which type of wound healing is characterized by surgical closure with sutures or staples?

Accepted Answer

Primary intention (first intention)

Answer

Secondary intention

Answer

Tertiary/delayed primary intention

Answer

Granulation-based healing

Question 7

A wound dressing that maintains a moist wound environment and is suitable for clean, shallow wounds with low exudate is:

Accepted Answer

Hydrocolloid dressing

Answer

Alginate dressing

Answer

Dry gauze

Answer

Iodine-impregnated gauze

Question 8

Which sign most strongly indicates wound infection rather than normal inflammation?

Accepted Answer

Increasing or spreading erythema, warmth, purulent exudate, malodour, or failure to progress after appropriate treatment

Answer

Mild pink colouration at wound edges immediately after injury

Answer

Clear serous exudate in a healing wound

Answer

Wound contraction and scar formation

Question 9

What is the purpose of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT / VAC therapy)?

Accepted Answer

To apply sub-atmospheric pressure to remove exudate, reduce oedema, stimulate granulation tissue formation, and promote wound closure

Answer

To apply positive pressure to force blood into ischaemic wound tissue

Answer

To provide chemical debridement only

Answer

To waterproof a wound during bathing

Question 10

When cleansing a wound in an OSCE, what is the recommended irrigation solution for most clean wounds?

Accepted Answer

Normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride) or potable water

Answer

Neat chlorhexidine antiseptic solution

Answer

Hydrogen peroxide

Answer

Povidone-iodine undiluted