Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON) Practice Test

How should the location of tunneling or undermining in a wound be documented?

1. By using the patient’s anatomical reference

2. By using a clock face

3. By drawing a diagram

4. By measuring in inches

The correct answer is: By using a clock face

Documenting the location of tunneling or undermining in a wound using a clock face provides a standardized and universally understood method for professionals to communicate wound characteristics. The clock face reference allows for accurate and consistent description of the position relative to the patient's body. For example, if undermining or tunneling is noted at 3 o'clock, it signifies a specific direction and distance from the center of the wound, making interpretation clear to other healthcare providers. Using anatomical references, while helpful, can vary based on individual anatomy and may lead to confusion if not clearly described. Drawing a diagram could also be useful but lacks the immediate clarity and precise reference that a clock face provides, especially in quick assessments. Measuring in inches gives a quantitative value but does not adequately convey the spatial orientation of the wound's features. This can make it challenging for others to visualize the location regarding the patient's anatomy without further context. Therefore, the clock face method is favored for its clarity and ease of understanding among clinicians.