Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON) Practice Test

What is a limitation of the half-shoe?

1. Improves wound healing rates

2. Fully protects the toes and dorsal foot

3. May not provide enough protection

4. Promotes ease of mobility

The correct answer is: May not provide enough protection

The half-shoe is designed primarily for post-operative care and situations where limited mobility is required. One of its significant limitations is that it may not provide adequate protection to the foot, especially in the case of injuries or certain conditions. Since the design of a half-shoe typically leaves parts of the foot exposed, particularly the toes and midfoot region, this can result in insufficient protection from potential trauma during walking or moving around. In addition, while it can help patients maintain some degree of ambulation, its effectiveness in providing full cushioning and support compared to a more closed footwear option is lacking. This aspect can lead to risk when navigating various environments, potentially impacting recovery or exacerbating existing injuries. Other choices, such as improving wound healing rates or promoting ease of mobility, may relate positively to the half-shoe's function, but they do not directly address the concerns surrounding protection, making the limitation of inadequate protection the most relevant concern when discussing the half-shoe.