Wound Care Certified Certification (WCC) Practice Exam

What is an action of a hydrogel?

1. To absorb excess moisture from a wound

2. To donate moisture to a wound

3. To provide a barrier against infection

4. To promote blood clotting

The correct answer is: To donate moisture to a wound

Hydrogels are designed specifically to maintain a moist wound environment, which is critical for optimal healing. They work by donating moisture to the wound bed, which aids in tissue hydration, promotes autolytic debridement, and helps prevent the formation of eschar. This moisture-rich environment can facilitate cellular migration and the proliferation of fibroblasts and keratinocytes, both essential for wound healing. In contrast, other types of dressings, such as alginates or foams, might be more effective in absorbing excess moisture or managing exudate from a wound. While providing a barrier against infection is crucial for wound dressings in general, it is not the primary function of hydrogels, which are focused on moisture retention rather than creating a strict barrier. Similarly, promoting blood clotting is typically the role of hemostatic agents or specific advanced dressings rather than hydrogels, which are not primarily designed for that purpose.