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

What suction method is generally preferred for heavy exudate when using NPWT?

1. Intermittent suction

2. Continuous suction

3. Low-pressure suction

4. High-pressure suction

The correct answer is: Continuous suction

Continuous suction is generally preferred for managing heavy exudate when using Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) because it provides a constant, steady removal of excess fluid and exudate from the wound site. This method ensures that the wound environment remains conducive to healing by preventing the accumulation of fluid that can lead to complications such as infection or delayed healing. Continuous suction aids in maintaining a negative pressure that can promote granulation tissue formation and reduce the overall wound size. Utilizing continuous suction also helps in keeping the wound bed free from excessive moisture, which is critical for the healing process. Additionally, maintaining a constant drainage flow can improve the overall effectiveness of the NPWT by enabling better contact between the dressing and the wound, ensuring that the negative pressure is evenly distributed. In contrast, intermittent suction may not adequately manage high levels of exudate, as pauses in suction could allow for fluid accumulation during the intervals. Low-pressure suction is typically used for different clinical scenarios, such as sensitive and fragile tissues, and may not be sufficient for heavy exudate scenarios. High-pressure suction is generally avoided in NPWT applications because it can cause damage to the wound tissue and delay the healing process.