Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON) Practice Test

What is one approach used in the management of fungating tumors?

1. Surgical removal only

2. Topical metronidazole

3. Radiation therapy exclusively

4. Chemotherapy as first-line treatment

The correct answer is: Topical metronidazole

Topical metronidazole is a drug that can be effective in managing fungating tumors, particularly those associated with odor and superficial infections. Fungating tumors often present with necrotic tissue and can lead to significant local symptoms, including odor and exudate. Metronidazole has antimicrobial properties and can help reduce bacterial load in the wound, which may improve the patient's quality of life by minimizing unpleasant odors. While surgical removal might be an option in some cases, it is not a definitive approach for all fungating tumors, especially if the patient is not a candidate for surgery due to the tumor's nature or their overall health. Radiation therapy can be useful for palliative situations to reduce tumor size or pain but might not be the exclusive management approach. Likewise, while chemotherapy can be part of the treatment for some cancers, using it as a first-line treatment for fungating tumors is not universally applicable and often depends on various factors including tumor type and stage. Therefore, the selection of topical metronidazole as a management approach is grounded in its ability to address specific complications associated with fungating tumors while simultaneously improving the patient's comfort and quality of life.