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

What type of wounds are suitable for ECM dressings?

1. Clean granulating wounds with high exudate.

2. Infected wounds needing surgical intervention.

3. Clean non-granulating wounds with low to moderate exudate.

4. Wounds with exposed bone or tendon.

The correct answer is: Clean non-granulating wounds with low to moderate exudate.

ECM (extracellular matrix) dressings are specifically designed to support the healing process in certain wound types. Clean non-granulating wounds with low to moderate exudate are suitable for ECM dressings because these wounds often lack the cellular activity necessary for healing, making them ideal candidates for the regenerative properties of these dressings. ECM dressings provide a scaffold for new cells to grow over, promote angiogenesis, and create an environment conducive for healing. In situations where the wound is clean but non-granulating, applying ECM dressings can stimulate the formation of granulation tissue, thus facilitating the transition from a non-healing state to one where healing can occur. The low to moderate exudate levels also indicate that the wound environment is stable, minimizing the risk of excessive moisture that could lead to maceration or delay in healing. This choice aligns with the primary purpose of ECM dressings, which is to encourage tissue regeneration in wounds that are not progressing through the healing phases as expected.