Wound Care Certified Certification (WCC) Practice Exam

For what type of wound would a hydrocolloid be contraindicated?

1. A venous ulcer with heavy exudate

2. A dry superficial burn

3. A pressure ulcer with minimal exudate

4. A diabetic foot ulcer

The correct answer is: A venous ulcer with heavy exudate

Hydrocolloid dressings are generally not suitable for wounds with heavy exudate because they are designed to absorb moderate amounts of drainage while maintaining a moist wound environment. When a wound produces excessive exudate, the hydrocolloid can become saturated and lose its effectiveness, leading to breakdown of the dressing and potentially compromising the healing process. Heavy exudate can also lead to maceration of the surrounding skin, which hydrocolloids are not equipped to handle. Therefore, in the case of a venous ulcer that produces heavy drainage, using a hydrocolloid would be contraindicated, as it would not manage the exudate effectively and could hinder proper care and healing. In contrast, the other options present scenarios where hydrocolloid dressings can be beneficial. A dry superficial burn and a pressure ulcer with minimal exudate can benefit from the moisture-retentive properties of hydrocolloids, while a diabetic foot ulcer, depending on its characteristics, could also be appropriately managed with such a dressing system. Hence, the venous ulcer with heavy exudate stands out as the situation where hydrocolloids would not provide the necessary benefits and could even lead to adverse outcomes.