Certified Wound Care Nurse (CWCN) Practice Exam

For patients undergoing wound care, what is one of the main benefits of using hydrogel dressings?

1. Prevent biofilm formation

2. Ensure complete moisture retention

3. Provide pain relief and hydration

4. Facilitate immediate wound closure

The correct answer is: Provide pain relief and hydration

Hydrogel dressings are specifically designed to maintain a moist wound environment, which is essential for optimal healing. One of the primary benefits of these dressings is their ability to provide pain relief and hydration to the wound and surrounding tissue. The hydrating properties of the gel help to soothe the wound, which can significantly reduce discomfort and promote healing by encouraging autolytic debridement, where the body naturally removes necrotic tissue. The moist environment created by hydrogel dressings also supports cellular migration and granulation tissue formation, contributing to overall wound healing. By keeping the wound hydrated without excessive moisture that could lead to maceration, hydrogel dressings balance wound moisture levels. While preventing biofilm formation and ensuring complete moisture retention are important considerations in wound care, they are not the primary functions of hydrogel dressings. Similarly, hydrogel dressings do not facilitate immediate wound closure; they are used more for managing moisture and pain rather than achieving rapid closure. Therefore, the benefit of providing pain relief and hydration stands out as a key characteristic of hydrogel dressings.