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

When is it appropriate to obtain an anaerobic culture?

1. For superficial wounds

2. For deep wounds with foul-smelling drainage

3. For any wound type

4. When the wound has minimal drainage

The correct answer is: For deep wounds with foul-smelling drainage

The appropriate situation to obtain an anaerobic culture is when dealing with deep wounds that exhibit foul-smelling drainage. This is significant because anaerobic bacteria thrive in environments where oxygen is scarce, and deep wounds often provide such conditions. The presence of foul-smelling drainage can indicate an infection caused by anaerobic organisms, which are not typically identified through standard aerobic cultures. Collecting an anaerobic culture in this context is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment, as it allows for the identification of specific pathogens that may not be detected otherwise. Recognizing the signs of anaerobic infections can lead to more effective and targeted antibiotic therapy, which is essential for patient recovery and wound healing.