Certified Wound Care Nurse (CWCN) Practice Exam

When is enzymatic debridement particularly useful?

1. When surgical debridement is feasible.

2. When wound infection is present.

3. When surgical debridement is unfeasible.

4. When the patient has a history of necrosis.

The correct answer is: When surgical debridement is unfeasible.

Enzymatic debridement is particularly useful in situations where surgical debridement is unfeasible. This method involves the use of topical agents that contain enzymes to break down necrotic tissue and help in the healing process. It is especially beneficial for patients who may not be candidates for surgical procedures due to various reasons such as comorbidities, advanced age, or other health complications that make surgery risky. In cases where surgical intervention is an option, surgical debridement is often preferred because it can provide more thorough removal of necrotic tissue. When a wound is infected, the priority tends to lean toward managing the infection, which might not align with the goals of enzymatic debridement specifically. Additionally, a history of necrosis indicates that there may be ongoing issues with tissue viability, but does not directly correlate with the need for enzymatic debridement unless surgical options are limited. Therefore, the correct choice underscores the role of enzymatic debridement where traditional surgical methods cannot be applied.