Wound Treatment Associate (WTA) Practice Exam

Which factor can inactivate Dakin's solution?

1. Exposure to moisture

2. Exposure to air

3. Heat and light

4. High humidity

The correct answer is: Heat and light

Dakin's solution is a diluted sodium hypochlorite solution commonly used in wound care for its antiseptic properties. The stability of Dakin's solution can be compromised by certain environmental factors. Exposure to heat and light is particularly detrimental since both can lead to the degradation of the active ingredient, sodium hypochlorite, thereby reducing its effectiveness. When Dakin's solution is exposed to heat, chemical reactions can accelerate, leading to faster decomposition. Similarly, light can catalyze the breakdown of sodium hypochlorite, resulting in a loss of its antimicrobial properties. Therefore, it is crucial to store Dakin's solution in a cool, dark place to ensure its stability and efficacy for wound management. Other factors, such as moisture and high humidity, can contribute to the solution's degradation, but they primarily affect the storage conditions instead of directly inactivating the solution as heat and light do. Exposure to air can also lead to oxidation, but the immediate effects of heat and light are more significant in inactivating the solution. Thus, heat and light are critical factors that can inactivate Dakin's solution, making this choice the most appropriate.