Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON) Practice Test

Who is autolytic debridement best suited for?

1. A patient with moist granulating tissue

2. A patient with dry eschar and normal white blood cell count

3. A patient with infected wounds requiring immediate intervention

4. A patient with excessive exudate in the wound

The correct answer is: A patient with dry eschar and normal white blood cell count

Autolytic debridement is a process that utilizes the body's own mechanisms to remove necrotic tissue and promote healing, making it most suitable for patients with dry eschar and a normal white blood cell count. In this context, dry eschar indicates the presence of non-viable tissue that is not actively infected, allowing for autolytic processes to occur without the risks associated with infection. When the white blood cell count is normal, this suggests that the patient's immune system is functioning adequately, which aids the process of healing. Since autolytic debridement relies on the body’s natural enzymes and moisture to soften and break down necrotic tissue, it is inappropriate for wounds that are infected or moist and granulating, as these conditions may require more aggressive intervention to ensure healing. Furthermore, conditions such as excessive exudate or infected wounds typically necessitate alternative methods of debridement to effectively manage wound care and prevent complications. Thus, the use of autolytic debridement is best reserved for cases like the one described, where the conditions align to support the safe and effective removal of dead tissue without increasing the risk of infection or delayed healing.