Wound Care Certified Certification (WCC) Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Study for the Wound Care Certified Certification exam with comprehensive flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each query is designed to enhance knowledge and understanding. Prepare effectively to excel in your exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

How long after mechanical disruption of a biofilm are antimicrobial treatments most effective?

12 hours
24 hours
48 hours
72 hours

The correct answer is: 24 hours

The effectiveness of antimicrobial treatments following mechanical disruption of a biofilm peaks around the 24-hour mark. Biofilms are protective layers formed by bacteria that make them significantly more resistant to antimicrobial agents. When mechanical disruption occurs, the structural integrity of the biofilm is compromised, allowing antimicrobial agents better access to the organisms within. After about 24 hours, the microorganisms that were released from the biofilm can be targeted more effectively by antibiotics or other antimicrobial treatments. The disruption allows for a window where the pathogens are vulnerable and more susceptible to being eradicated by the medications. As time progresses beyond this 24-hour period, the bacteria can again begin to multiply and produce new biofilm, which can reduce the effectiveness of treatment. Hence, initiating antimicrobial therapy within this optimal time frame is crucial for maximizing the therapeutic outcome.