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

What defines surgical debridement?

1. Manual removal of necrotic tissue

2. Sterile excision in a controlled setting

3. Application of antimicrobial agents

4. Natural healing without intervention

The correct answer is: Sterile excision in a controlled setting

Surgical debridement is primarily defined as a sterile excision performed in a controlled setting, where the objective is to remove devitalized, necrotic, or contaminated tissue to promote healing. This procedure is typically conducted in an operating room under sterile conditions, ensuring that the wound environment is as clean and safe as possible. The controlled setting allows for precise and comprehensive removal of tissue, minimizing the risk of infection and facilitating a more effective healing process. While manual removal of necrotic tissue can occur in various forms of debridement, surgical debridement specifically involves a surgical approach that could include scalpel or specialized instruments. The application of antimicrobial agents is a separate aspect of wound care and management that may be utilized after debridement but does not define the act of surgical debridement itself. Natural healing without intervention denotes a passive process that does not involve any surgical treatment, contrasting with the active intervention that surgical debridement represents. In summary, the sterile and controlled nature of surgical excision distinctly characterizes surgical debridement and differentiates it from other methods of wound care and management.