Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON) Practice Test

What is a major consideration when using Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT)?

1. Time-consuming dressing changes

2. Inexpensive treatment option

3. Must remove everything and switch to moist wound healing if the seal is lost

4. Always promotes increased patient mobility

The correct answer is: Must remove everything and switch to moist wound healing if the seal is lost

The focus on maintaining an effective seal is critical in Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) because the therapy relies on continuous negative pressure to facilitate wound healing through mechanisms like fluid removal and enhanced blood flow. If the seal is compromised, it prevents the pressure from being maintained, which may hinder the positive effects of the therapy, such as reducing exudate and promoting granulation tissue formation. Therefore, if there is a loss of seal, it is essential to reassess the dressing and possibly transition to a different method, such as moist wound healing, to ensure optimal healing conditions for the wound. Other considerations in NPWT, such as dressing changes being time-consuming or potential costs, do play a role in overall management and patient experience but do not directly impact the immediate efficacy of the therapy as significantly as maintaining the seal. Additionally, while NPWT can support patient mobility by enabling them to be more active and reducing dressing changes, this does not address the critical necessity of maintaining an effective seal to ensure the treatment's success.