Wound Treatment Associate (WTA) Practice Exam

For a patient with a tunneling wound and high exudate, which dressing should be used with caution?

1. Moist gauze

2. Alginate dressing

3. Hydrocolloid dressing

4. Wick dressing

The correct answer is: Hydrocolloid dressing

In the context of managing a tunneling wound with high exudate, the use of hydrocolloid dressings should be approached with caution. Hydrocolloids are designed to maintain a moist wound environment and are generally effective for non-tunneling acute and chronic wounds with low to moderate exudate. However, when dealing with a tunneling wound, there are specific considerations to keep in mind. Hydrocolloid dressings can create a gel-like consistency when exposed to exudate, which may not adequately fill the tunneling areas. This can result in insufficient absorption of the high exudate, leading to potential complications such as maceration of the surrounding skin or increased risk of infection. Additionally, if the tunneling is deep, hydrocolloids may not be able to reach or manage the wound effectively, potentially resulting in debris accumulation and delayed healing. In contrast, other dressing types such as moist gauze or alginate dressings are typically more suited for handling high levels of exudates, especially in tunneling wounds, as they can absorb excess fluid and pack into the wound cavity. Wick dressings are also designed to address tunneling by facilitating drainage while managing the excess moisture appropriately. Hence, hydrocolloid dress