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

When using becaplermin gel, what condition is a contraindication?

1. Moist wounds

2. Clean, noninfected wounds

3. Neuropathic wounds

4. Malignant wounds

The correct answer is: Malignant wounds

Becaplermin gel is a topical treatment primarily used for the management of diabetic ulcers and other types of wounds that have not healed adequately. It contains recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor, which promotes wound healing by encouraging the growth of cells and tissue repair. However, it is contraindicated in the presence of malignant wounds due to the potential for accelerating tumor growth. Specifically, using becaplermin in these situations could inadvertently stimulate the proliferation of cancer cells because the gel encourages cell growth. In contrast, its use is generally acceptable in moist wounds, clean noninfected wounds, and neuropathic wounds, as these conditions can benefit from enhanced healing without the risks associated with malignancy. Therefore, selecting malignant wounds as the contraindication reflects an understanding of how the treatment interacts with specific wound conditions and the importance of ensuring safe and effective wound management.