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

How often can cadexomer iodine dressings be changed?

1. Daily

2. QOD or Q3 days

3. Once a week

4. Monthly

The correct answer is: QOD or Q3 days

Cadexomer iodine dressings are designed for the management of wounds with moderate to heavy exudate, providing antimicrobial properties by releasing iodine into the wound bed. These dressings are known for their ability to absorb exudate effectively while maintaining a moist wound environment. The recommendation for changing cadexomer iodine dressings is typically every other day (QOD) or every three days (Q3). This schedule allows for adequate absorption of exudate without compromising the dressing's effectiveness in providing a moist environment while also delivering its antimicrobial benefits. Changing the dressing too frequently could lead to unnecessary disruption of the wound bed and increase the risk of infection, while changing it too infrequently might not effectively manage exudate levels and could result in compromised wound healing. In contrast, daily dressing changes could be too frequent and result in additional trauma to the wound site. Changing the dressing once a week would not address the needs of wounds with moderate to heavy exudate adequately, potentially leading to complications. Monthly changes would not be appropriate for any type of wound management as they would fail to maintain a clean and monitored wound environment.