Wound Treatment Associate (WTA) Practice Exam

How should wounds with closed edges be managed?

1. Surgical excision or chemical cauterization

2. Moist dressings with constant observation

3. Keep them covered with antibiotic ointment

4. Use a vacuum-assisted closure device

The correct answer is: Surgical excision or chemical cauterization

The management of wounds with closed edges often aims at promoting healing while addressing any potential complications. In this context, surgical excision or chemical cauterization is a valid approach for certain types of wounds, particularly when there is necrotic tissue present or if there's a need for precise closure to prevent complications such as infection or excessive granulation tissue formation. Surgical excision involves the removal of damaged tissue, which can facilitate healthy healing by allowing clean margins, whereas chemical cauterization helps in controlling bleeding or disinfecting the area. While the use of moist dressings and constant observation is beneficial for many types of wounds, it doesn't directly address closed-edge wounds that may require more immediate action. Keeping a wound covered with antibiotic ointment can be part of wound care; however, it's not a standalone treatment for wounds that need more invasive management. Similarly, vacuum-assisted closure devices are generally utilized in more complex wounds or those with significant tissue loss rather than straightforward closed-edge wounds. Thus, surgical interventions become necessary in cases where the wound's characteristics and healing process require such approaches.