Physical Therapy Assistant Practice Exam

What therapeutic technique should be used sparingly on wounds with both necrotic and viable tissue due to potential trauma to granulation tissue?

1. Wet-to-dry dressing

2. Enzymatic debridement

3. Surgical debridement

4. Vacuum-assisted closure

The correct answer is: Wet-to-dry dressing

The therapeutic technique that should be used sparingly on wounds with both necrotic and viable tissue is wet-to-dry dressing. This method involves applying moistened dressings to the wound, allowing them to adhere to necrotic tissue, and then drying them out. When the dressing is removed, it can pull away necrotic tissue and any attached viable tissue. This poses a risk of trauma to the granulation tissue that is critical for the healing process. Using wet-to-dry dressings can inadvertently disturb healthy granulation tissue, leading to further injury or delay in healing. Therefore, it's crucial to use this technique cautiously in mixed wounds where both types of tissue are present to avoid unnecessary damage and promote optimal healing conditions. Other options like enzymatic debridement, surgical debridement, and vacuum-assisted closure have different roles in wound management. Enzymatic debridement involves the application of topical agents that selectively dissolve necrotic tissue, which is often less damaging to viable tissue. Surgical debridement is a more aggressive approach that removes necrotic tissue, but it is performed under controlled conditions likely minimizing harm to healthy tissue. Vacuum-assisted closure provides wound healing benefits by promoting a moist environment and facilitating blood flow, but it