Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON) Practice Test

When is debridement contraindicated for an arterial ulcer?

1. When the ulcer is infected

2. In case of dry, uninfected wounds until blood flow is adequate

3. When the ulcer is undergoing healing

4. When there is significant necrosis

The correct answer is: In case of dry, uninfected wounds until blood flow is adequate

Debridement is the process of removing necrotic tissue or foreign material from a wound to promote healing. In the case of arterial ulcers, which are often associated with inadequate blood flow due to peripheral arterial disease, it is essential to consider the implications of debridement carefully. The assertion that debridement is contraindicated in dry, uninfected wounds until blood flow is adequate is grounded in the understanding that arterial ulcers depend heavily on sufficient blood supply for healing. If a wound is dry and uninfected, debriding it may further compromise the wound’s integrity and healing potential because it could remove any viable tissue that may still be present, delaying the healing process. Maintaining the existing tissue until adequate blood flow is restored allows for the possibility of natural healing mechanisms to take place. In contrast, when an ulcer is infected, debridement is often necessary to remove the infection source. If the ulcer is undergoing healing, one may want to avoid mechanical disruption that could impede the healing progress or cause more harm than benefit. Lastly, while significant necrosis could indicate the need for debridement, if there is not sufficient blood supply, the underlying issue remains unaddressed, which could lead to further complications. Overall, understanding