Wound Care Certification Dressings and Topical Agents Questions and Answers

Question 1

A patient has a moderately draining venous leg ulcer with 50% granulation tissue and 50% yellow slough.
The periwound skin is intact but requires protection from moisture.
Which dressing is MOST appropriate for this wound?

Accepted Answer

Foam dressing

Answer

Transparent film

Answer

Hydrogel sheet

Answer

Calcium alginate

Question 2

A clinician is selecting an enzymatic debriding agent for a wound with adherent necrotic tissue. Which of the following is the primary mechanism of action for collagenase Santyl?

Accepted Answer

It selectively digests denatured collagen that anchors non-viable tissue to the wound bed.

Answer

It uses the body's own enzymes and moisture to break down necrotic tissue.

Answer

It kills bacteria through the release of silver ions, which then allows for natural debridement.

Answer

It physically pulls away devitalized tissue when the dressing is removed.

Question 3

Which of the following dressing categories is known for its ability to donate moisture to a dry wound bed, promoting autolytic debridement?

Accepted Answer

Amorphous hydrogels

Answer

Calcium alginates

Answer

Hydrocolloids

Answer

Foam dressings

Question 4

A home health nurse is caring for a patient with a deep, tunneling wound on the thigh with copious, purulent drainage and a suspected anaerobic infection. Which dressing would be contraindicated for this wound?

Accepted Answer

Hydrocolloid sheet

Answer

Silver-impregnated alginate rope

Answer

Gauze packing strip

Answer

Foam dressing

Question 5

When selecting a topical antimicrobial agent, a clinician considers the potential for cytotoxicity. Which of the following agents has historically been associated with causing damage to healthy fibroblasts and keratinocytes, potentially impairing wound healing?

Accepted Answer

Povidone-iodine

Answer

Medical-grade honey

Answer

Polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB)

Answer

Cadexomer iodine

Question 6

A patient has a Stage 3 pressure injury on the sacrum with moderate serosanguinous drainage. The surrounding skin is erythematous and beginning to show signs of maceration. Which topical agent is most appropriate for application to the *periwound* skin?

Accepted Answer

A zinc oxide-based moisture barrier

Answer

Amorphous hydrogel

Answer

Collagenase ointment

Answer

A silver-impregnated cream