Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN) Practice Exam

What should be done if a wound shows no improvement after two weeks of treatment?

1. The current method should be continued indefinitely

2. The method of topical therapy should be changed

3. A referral to a specialist is not needed

4. Increase the frequency of dressing changes

The correct answer is: The method of topical therapy should be changed

When a wound shows no improvement after two weeks of treatment, it is essential to reassess the treatment plan. Changing the method of topical therapy is a crucial step in addressing the lack of progress. Wounds can become stagnant for various reasons, including inappropriate dressing choice, infection, inadequate moisture management, or underlying health issues that may not have been addressed. By altering the topical therapy, you can provide a fresh approach that may better suit the wound’s needs and promote healing. This could involve using a different type of dressing that offers more moisture, adds antimicrobial properties, or incorporates other therapeutic agents that can effectively target the issue at hand. It’s about adjusting the treatment based on the wound's characteristics, patient response, and any developing concerns. In contrast, the other choices do not align with best practices for wound management. Continuing the current method indefinitely would not address the problem of stagnation. Indicating that a referral to a specialist is not needed overlooks the possibility that specialized care might be required, particularly if the wound is complex or not responding to standard treatments. Lastly, simply increasing the frequency of dressing changes might not be effective if the topical therapy is inadequate; it could lead to increased discomfort for the patient without addressing the underlying issue.