Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON) Practice Test

What is a primary characteristic of a shallow wound that requires aerobic culture?

1. Presence of necrosis

2. Absence of tunneling

3. Presence of infection

4. Evidence of eschar

The correct answer is: Absence of tunneling

A shallow wound that requires aerobic culture is characterized by the absence of tunneling. Tunneling refers to tracks that can form under the skin near the wound site, leading to deeper areas, which is more commonly associated with deeper wounds rather than shallow ones. When a wound lacks tunneling, it indicates that the wound is relatively superficial and can be easily assessed with an aerobic culture. This culture is necessary to identify bacterial presence and guide treatment decisions, especially if signs of infection are present. Without tunneling, the assessment of the wound is more straightforward, enabling healthcare providers to focus on the surface area for infection indicators and analyze the wound environment accurately. In contrast, the presence of necrosis, evidence of eschar, or signs of infection may suggest more complex or deeper wounds, which may not be ideal for aerobic culture alone and might require further investigation or alternative management strategies.