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

What should be done when the canister in NPWT becomes full?

1. Leave it until the next scheduled change.

2. Check for leaks in the system.

3. Change the canister immediately.

4. Reduce the vacuum pressure.

The correct answer is: Change the canister immediately.

When the canister in Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) becomes full, it is essential to change the canister immediately to maintain effective wound management. A full canister can impede the suction needed for effective drainage and may lead to complications such as wound infection, poor granulation tissue formation, or an accumulation of exudate. Changing the canister promptly ensures that the negative pressure is consistently applied, which is critical for promoting wound healing by removing excess fluid and promoting blood flow to the area. It also prevents potential leakage or overflow, which could compromise the entire NPWT system and could expose the patient to increased risk. While it might be tempting to delay the canister change until the next scheduled change, this can hinder the healing process and is not considered a best practice. Checking for leaks in the system and reducing vacuum pressure are not appropriate responses to a full canister; they do not resolve the issue of excessive accumulation and may lead to further complications. Therefore, immediately changing the canister is the most appropriate action to take in this scenario.