Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON) Practice Test

When should the method of topical therapy be changed?

1. Only after a month of treatment

2. When no improvement is seen in 2 weeks

3. When the patient requests a change

4. For all new wounds regardless of status

The correct answer is: When no improvement is seen in 2 weeks

Changing the method of topical therapy when no improvement is seen in two weeks is a practice grounded in the principles of wound care. Wound healing is a dynamic process, and topical therapies are administered to enhance this healing. If a wound is not responding to treatment within a two-week timeframe, it indicates that the current method may not be effectively addressing the underlying issues, such as infection, insufficient moisture, or inadequate tissue perfusion. This two-week evaluation period allows healthcare professionals to assess not just the appearance of the wound but also the patient's overall health status and response to treatment. Timely adjustments can prevent the delay of necessary care, promote more effective interventions, and optimize healing outcomes. By implementing changes at this point, healthcare providers can explore alternative therapies or interventions that may be more suited to the specific characteristics of the wound, thus reducing the risk of chronicity or complications. While patient preferences and requests for changes may be valid considerations, decisions surrounding the therapy must ultimately be based on clinical effectiveness. Changing the therapy for all new wounds regardless of status may lead to inappropriate treatment strategies, as not all new wounds require the same approach. Furthermore, waiting a month to evaluate the efficacy of a treatment could significantly hinder the healing process. Therefore, monitoring progress at the two