Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON) Practice Test

Which of the following is NOT a key assessment parameter for wounds?

1. Location

2. Patient's age

3. Presence/absence of undermining or tunneling

4. Status of wound bed

The correct answer is: Patient's age

The choice indicating the patient's age as not being a key assessment parameter for wounds is appropriate because while patient age can influence healing and overall health, it is not a direct assessment characteristic of the wound itself. Key assessment parameters focus on the wound's immediate features and conditions, such as its location, the presence or absence of undermining or tunneling, and the status of the wound bed. Location provides vital context for treatment options and potential complications. The presence or absence of undermining or tunneling helps to assess wound depth and the extent of tissue damage, critical for effective management. The status of the wound bed is essential for determining the current healing phase and appropriate interventions. These parameters directly impact wound care strategies, making them central to wound assessment, whereas age is more of a demographic factor that may inform the overall treatment plan but does not provide specific details about the wound itself.