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

Why is ultrasonic debridement considered less painful than traditional methods?

1. It involves no contact with the wound surface

2. It uses local anesthetics

3. It is done under sedation

4. Patients report lower discomfort levels

The correct answer is: It involves no contact with the wound surface

Ultrasonic debridement is considered less painful than traditional methods primarily because it involves no direct contact with the wound surface. This non-contact technique utilizes high-frequency sound waves to selectively remove devitalized tissue and debris, minimizing trauma to the surrounding healthy tissue and pain receptors. The absence of physical contact reduces the potential for pain during the procedure, making it a more comfortable option for patients compared to traditional methods that may involve scraping or manual manipulation of the wound, which can cause discomfort and pain. While local anesthetics and sedation can contribute to pain reduction in various medical procedures, their use is not fundamental to why ultrasonic debridement itself is less painful. Similarly, reports of lower discomfort levels from patients can be subjective and variable; the key distinction with ultrasonic debridement lies in its non-contact approach, which is the primary reason it is often tolerated better by patients.