Wound Care Certified Certification (WCC) Practice Exam

What is the gold standard intervention for managing peri-wound hyperkeratosis in diabetic foot ulcers?

1. Moisture balance therapy

2. Sharp debridement

3. Enzymatic debridement

4. Use of hydrocolloid dressings

The correct answer is: Sharp debridement

The gold standard intervention for managing peri-wound hyperkeratosis in diabetic foot ulcers is sharp debridement. This technique involves the precise removal of excess keratinized tissue, which can impede healing and create a barrier to effective wound management. By removing this hyperkeratotic tissue, sharp debridement promotes a healthier wound environment, allows for better assessment of the wound bed, and facilitates the regrowth of healthier tissue. Sharp debridement is particularly effective because it provides immediate results and allows for optimal wound bed preparation. It can also help reduce the risk of infection and improve overall outcomes by decreasing the load of necrotic tissue. This method is typically performed by trained healthcare professionals and can be done in various settings, including clinics and hospitals. While other treatments, such as moisture balance therapy, enzymatic debridement, and hydrocolloid dressings, have their uses in wound management, they do not specifically address the removal of hyperkeratotic tissue as effectively as sharp debridement does. Therefore, sharp debridement stands out as the preferred method in managing this particular complication of diabetic foot ulcers.