Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON) Practice Test

How does support surface reactive therapy function?

1. It uses constant air pressure for support.

2. It adjusts to the patient’s weight for comfort and pressure distribution.

3. It only provides support at static pressure points.

4. It employs mechanical devices for position changes.

The correct answer is: It adjusts to the patient’s weight for comfort and pressure distribution.

Support surface reactive therapy functions by adjusting to the patient's weight, promoting comfort and optimizing pressure distribution. This dynamic response helps to alleviate and minimize the risk of pressure ulcers by evenly dispersing the patient's weight over a broader surface area. The ability of the support surface to respond to the changes in pressure as the patient shifts positions contributes significantly to reducing localized pressure points, which is essential in wound and ostomy care. This therapy is particularly beneficial for individuals who may not have the mobility to frequently change positions on their own, as the surface adapts to their needs, thereby aiding in prevention strategies for skin breakdown. It goes beyond fixed pressure points or simple mechanical devices by creating an interactive surface that maintains comfort and enhances circulation, ultimately contributing to better patient outcomes in wound management.