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

What is the primary treatment method for osteomyelitis?

1. Short-term antibiotic therapy

2. Long-term IV or PO antibiotic therapy

3. Topical antibiotic ointments

4. Surgical amputation

The correct answer is: Long-term IV or PO antibiotic therapy

Long-term intravenous (IV) or oral (PO) antibiotic therapy is the primary treatment method for osteomyelitis because this approach effectively targets the infection in the bone. Osteomyelitis is a serious bone infection that requires sustained antibiotic exposure to eradicate the bacteria causing the infection. In many cases, the antibiotics need to be administered for an extended period, often several weeks to months, depending on the severity of the infection and the patient's response to treatment. IV antibiotics are typically used initially for severe cases or when the patient is unable to take medications orally. Once there is an improvement in the patient's condition, transitioning to oral antibiotics may be possible. Surgical options, including debridement to remove infected tissue, may also be necessary in conjunction with antibiotic therapy, but they are not the first-line treatment. Other methods like topical antibiotic ointments are not suitable for treating osteomyelitis due to their inability to penetrate the bone effectively. Short-term antibiotic therapy may help in some situations, but it often is insufficient on its own for treating a deep or severe bone infection.