Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON) Practice Test

Who are the ideal candidates for chemical debridement?

1. Patients with non-infected chronic wounds

2. Patients with dry, clean wounds

3. Patients with necrotic infected wounds and malodorous tissue

4. Patients with healthy granulation tissue

The correct answer is: Patients with necrotic infected wounds and malodorous tissue

Chemical debridement is a method used to remove necrotic (dead) tissue from wounds to promote healing. The ideal candidates for this type of debridement are patients with necrotic infected wounds and malodorous tissue because chemical agents effectively break down and dissolve necrotic tissue while also managing infection and odor. In cases of necrotic infected wounds, the presence of dead tissue can harbor bacteria, leading to further complications. Chemical debridement helps eliminate this necrotic tissue, thereby reducing the bacterial load and allowing for more effective healing. The use of specific chemical agents can also address the odor associated with necrotic tissue, making them particularly suitable for these patients. In contrast, patients with non-infected chronic wounds may not have the urgent need for debridement that individuals with infected wounds do. Dry, clean wounds do not typically require chemical debridement, as they do not present necrotic tissue that needs removal. Lastly, patients with healthy granulation tissue would be inappropriate candidates because the goal of debridement is to clear away non-viable tissue, and applying chemical agents could disrupt the healing process and damage healthy tissue. Therefore, the optimal scenario for using chemical debridement is with patients whose wounds