Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON) Practice Test

What outcome can result from the inappropriate use of antiseptic solutions?

1. Accelerated healing

2. Harm to healthy cells

3. Increased infection rates

4. Decreased pain

The correct answer is: Harm to healthy cells

The inappropriate use of antiseptic solutions can indeed lead to harm to healthy cells. Antiseptics are designed to kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms, but their use can also disrupt the normal healing processes of the skin and underlying tissues. Many antiseptics are non-selective; they can damage healthy cells while targeting pathogens. This can lead to delayed healing, as the local tissue environment is compromised, and normal cell function may be impeded. Preserving the health of surrounding tissues is critical to effective wound healing, and careful consideration must be given to the selection and application of any antiseptic solution to avoid unintended harm to healthy cells. While it may seem plausible for antiseptic solutions to accelerate healing, this benefit is contingent on correct use; inappropriate application can have the opposite effect. Similarly, increased infection rates and decreased pain may not directly correlate with the misuse of antiseptics, as factors influencing these outcomes are multifactorial and not solely dependent on antiseptic application.