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

What must be done before surgically debriding a patient with cellulitis?

1. Administer pain management

2. Intensively clean the wound area

3. Treat the cellulitis first

4. Consult with a vascular specialist

The correct answer is: Treat the cellulitis first

Before surgically debriding a patient with cellulitis, it is crucial to treat the cellulitis first. This is because surgical debridement may not be necessary or effective if the infection is still localized and responsive to conservative measures such as antibiotics. Treating the underlying cellulitis helps to reduce the inflammation and infection, making for a more controlled surgical environment if debridement is ultimately needed. When cellulitis is present, it indicates that there is infection in the skin and subcutaneous tissues. Effective management of this infection often includes the use of systemic antibiotics. Addressing the infection preoperatively ensures that any surgical intervention is performed on a site that is not actively infected, which can lead to better surgical outcomes and reduced complications. It also helps in minimizing the risk of spreading the infection during the procedure. The importance of treating the infection first also relates to ensuring that the surgical procedure is not merely a temporary fix, but part of a comprehensive treatment plan that focuses on resolving the infection and promoting healing. Once the cellulitis is adequately addressed and if debridement is still necessary, then the surgical procedure can be approached with a clearer focus on the necrotic tissue that needs removal, rather than on the inflamed, infected tissues.