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

What is the primary characteristic of gauze-based NPWT?

1. It uses a foam dressing

2. It employs damp gauze instead of foam

3. It requires a gel application

4. It uses a liquid sealant

The correct answer is: It employs damp gauze instead of foam

The primary characteristic of gauze-based negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is that it employs damp gauze instead of foam. This method utilizes a specific type of dressing made from gauze that is saturated with saline or another solution to maintain a moist wound environment while providing negative pressure. This helps to promote healing by facilitating tissue granulation, reducing edema, and removing excess exudate. The gauze dressing allows for some level of absorption while maintaining effective contact with the wound bed, which is crucial for maintaining the therapeutic benefits of NPWT. The moist environment created by the damp gauze also helps to enhance cell migration and proliferation, which are essential for wound healing. Other options involve different materials or methods not characteristic of gauze-based NPWT, such as using foam, gel applications, or liquid sealants, which are typically associated with other forms of NPWT. The focus on damp gauze specifically identifies this as the core feature of gauze-based NPWT, distinguishing it from foam-based systems and other alternatives.