Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON) Practice Test

What treatment option is NOT recommended for venous ulcers?

1. Compression therapy

2. Surgical obliteration of damaged veins

3. Antibiotic therapy

4. Elevation of legs

The correct answer is: Antibiotic therapy

In the management of venous ulcers, antibiotic therapy is not inherently recommended unless there is a clear presence of infection. Venous ulcers are primarily a result of chronic venous insufficiency, which leads to stagnant blood flow and subsequent tissue damage. The focus of treatment for these ulcers revolves around addressing the underlying venous problems. Compression therapy is a cornerstone of treatment for venous ulcers because it helps improve venous return and reduce swelling in the affected limb. Elevation of the legs is also supported as it facilitates venous drainage and can lead to reduced edema. Surgical obliteration of damaged veins may be appropriate in some cases, especially if it can improve blood flow and prevent recurrence. However, without the presence of an active infection, routine antibiotic therapy does not benefit the treatment of venous ulcers; in fact, it might lead to unnecessary side effects. Therefore, antibiotic therapy is not a standard treatment for venous ulcers, making it the appropriate answer to the question.