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

What is a key characteristic of support surface reactive therapy?

1. Pressure points are consistently altered

2. Surfaces react to patient weight to provide comfort

3. They provide a high level of airflow

4. They maintain a constant temperature

The correct answer is: Surfaces react to patient weight to provide comfort

Support surface reactive therapy is characterized by the way its surfaces respond to the patient's weight. This responsiveness allows the surface to conform and contour to the individual's body shape, redistributing pressure and providing enhanced comfort levels. The dynamic nature of these surfaces is what sets reactive therapy apart, as it adapts based on patient movement and weight distribution, which can significantly reduce the risk of pressure injuries. Pressure points being consistently altered focuses more on preventive aspects rather than the immediate reactive characteristics of the therapy. While airflow and temperature control can be beneficial features of some support surfaces, they are not defining aspects of support surface reactive therapy itself. The key focus is on the ability of the surface to react to and adapt to the user's weight to deliver optimal comfort and pressure relief. This adaptability is crucial in managing and preventing pressure-related issues.