Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON) Practice Test

Which principle of topical therapy involves protecting the healing wound?

1. Debridement

2. Infection control

3. Insulation

4. Moist wound surface maintenance

The correct answer is: Insulation

The principle of topical therapy that involves protecting the healing wound is insulation. Insulation refers to the ability of a dressing or topical treatment to create a barrier that helps maintain a stable temperature around the wound. This stability is crucial because it supports the natural healing process and minimizes fluctuations that could disrupt cellular activity. Furthermore, insulation helps keep the wound moist and prevents exposure to external contaminants, providing an additional layer of protection that promotes a conducive environment for healing. While debridement focuses on removing necrotic tissue and debris to enhance the repair process and infection control targets the prevention and management of infection in the wound area, these principles do not primarily emphasize protecting the wound in the way insulation does. Moist wound surface maintenance is important for healing as well but is more focused on retaining moisture rather than specifically providing an insulating barrier. Therefore, insulation is the principle that most directly aligns with the goal of protecting the healing wound.