Wound Treatment Associate (WTA) Practice Exam

What type of dressing is recommended for wounds with depth or tunneling that have moderate to high volumes of exudate?

1. Solid gel dressing

2. Wick or rope dressings

3. Hydrocolloid dressing

4. Transparent adhesive dressing

The correct answer is: Wick or rope dressings

The selection of wick or rope dressings for wounds with depth or tunneling and a moderate to high volume of exudate is appropriate due to their ability to manage drainage effectively. These types of dressings are designed to absorb exudate from within the wound while also allowing for ventilation. Wick dressings utilize capillary action to draw fluid away from the wound bed, which is particularly crucial in situations where exudate can contribute to maceration of the surrounding skin or hinder the healing process. In addition to absorption, wick or rope dressings can be placed directly into areas of tunneling, ensuring that the entire wound environment is adequately managed. This capability helps to prevent infection and promotes a moist wound healing environment, essential for facilitating the healing process in deep wounds. Other dressing types, such as solid gel, hydrocolloid, and transparent adhesive dressings, may not effectively manage the high levels of exudate from deeper wounds. Solid gel dressings primarily create a moist environment but may not absorb large amounts of fluid. Hydrocolloid dressings can absorb some exudate but might not be suitable for more draining wounds or tunnels due to their tendency to become overly saturated. Transparent adhesive dressings are often used for superficial wounds and do not