Certified Wound Care Nurse (CWCN) Practice Exam

What can be used to reopen rolled wound edges?

1. Silicone gel

2. Silver nitrate

3. Collagen dressings

4. Hydrogel

The correct answer is: Silver nitrate

Silver nitrate can be utilized to reopen rolled wound edges through its caustic properties. When applied to the edges of a wound where epithelial tissue has rolled or inverted, silver nitrate works by cauterizing unwanted tissue and promoting a healthy environment for wound healing. This encourages the rolled edges to become more pliable and allows for better adherence to the wound bed, which can facilitate more effective healing. Silicone gel is primarily used for scar management or to help reduce the appearance of scars rather than directly addressing rolled edges of a wound. Collagen dressings are designed to provide a matrix for new tissue formation but do not specifically target rolled edges. Hydrogel is effective for keeping the wound moist and can aid in the healing process, but it does not resolve the issue of rolled wound edges. Thus, silver nitrate stands out as the most appropriate choice for addressing this particular challenge in wound management.