Certified Wound Care Nurse (CWCN) Practice Exam

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Which characteristic is true regarding the use of hydrocolloid dressings?

  1. They absorb large amounts of exudate

  2. They facilitate autolytic debridement

  3. They prevent bacterial infection effectively

  4. They are solely for dry wounds

The correct answer is: They facilitate autolytic debridement

Hydrocolloid dressings are designed to provide a moist healing environment, which is crucial for facilitating autolytic debridement. This process allows the body's natural enzymes to break down necrotic tissue, making hydrocolloid dressings particularly effective in promoting healing in wounds with dead tissue. The semi-occlusive nature of these dressings also means they can help maintain moisture levels while allowing for the absorption of some exudate, but not in large amounts. While hydrocolloids do provide a barrier to external contaminants, their primary role is not to actively prevent bacterial infection but to create optimal conditions for healing. They are not solely intended for dry wounds; instead, they can be utilized on wounds with moderate exudate, making their ability to facilitate autolytic debridement in various types of wounds significant.