Certified Wound Care Nurse (CWCN) Practice Exam

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Enhance your knowledge in wound care by exploring the Certified Wound Care Nurse exam. Utilize our resources with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, complete with hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for your certification exam!

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What type of irrigation should be considered for a wound with odor and green discoloration indicating possible infection?

  1. Saline irrigation.

  2. Acetic acid irrigation.

  3. Hydrogen peroxide irrigation.

  4. Chlorhexidine irrigation.

The correct answer is: Acetic acid irrigation.

Acetic acid irrigation is particularly effective in addressing wound infections that present with odor and green discoloration. This type of irrigation is known for its antimicrobial properties, especially against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is often responsible for producing a characteristic green color in infected wounds as well as an unpleasant odor. Acetic acid works by lowering the pH of the wound environment, making it less favorable for bacterial growth and effectively helping to neutralize odors. It can penetrate biofilms that bacteria form, allowing for better management of the infection. Its use is more targeted for specific types of infections, particularly when these signs are present. While saline irrigation is generally safe for cleaning wounds, it does not have the specific antimicrobial effects necessary for treating an actively infected wound. Hydrogen peroxide can foam and provide some antibacterial activity, but it may also damage healthy tissue and impede healing, making it less suitable for this scenario. Chlorhexidine is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial but is not typically used in wound irrigation due to its potential for tissue cytotoxicity, which can further complicate the healing process.