Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON) Practice Test

What condition warrants limiting the use of sustained release silver dressings?

1. Wounds with no risk of infection

2. Wounds that are too large

3. Wounds at high risk for infection or with critical colonization evidence

4. Wounds in chronic states of healing

The correct answer is: Wounds at high risk for infection or with critical colonization evidence

Limiting the use of sustained release silver dressings is particularly warranted in wounds at high risk for infection or exhibiting evidence of critical colonization. Silver dressings are known for their antimicrobial properties; however, in cases where a wound is already to a critical level of colonization or is at high risk for infection, the use of such dressings may not provide a proportional benefit and could potentially lead to complications. Using sustained release silver in these cases might not be the best choice since it can contribute to silver accumulation and the potential development of silver-resistant organisms, which could complicate the wound healing process. Furthermore, continuous exposure might irritate the surrounding skin and inhibit the body’s natural healing mechanisms in a wound that already has significant microbial presence. It's essential to adopt more targeted approaches to manage infection and promote healing in these high-risk situations, rather than relying solely on silver dressings. In contrast, conditions like wounds with no risk of infection or in chronic states of healing may not warrant such restrictions, as the potential for antimicrobial benefits could be beneficial without significant concerns about resistance or irritation.