Wound Care Certified Certification (WCC) Practice Exam

Which topical antimicrobial product is known for penetrating biofilm matrices?

1. Honey dressings

2. Cadexomer iodine dressings

3. Silver sulfadiazine

4. Collagen dressings

The correct answer is: Cadexomer iodine dressings

Cadexomer iodine dressings are recognized for their unique ability to penetrate biofilm matrices, which are often present in chronic wounds and can hinder the healing process. Biofilms consist of clusters of bacteria that adhere to surfaces and are encased in a protective matrix, making them resistant to some conventional treatments. Cadexomer iodine works effectively in this context due to its iodine content, which is released gradually and helps to disrupt the biofilm structure while also exhibiting broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties. The gel-like consistency of cadexomer iodine allows it to interact more thoroughly with the wound surface, thus facilitating its action against the embedded bacteria within the biofilm. Additionally, it absorbs exudate and helps maintain a moist wound environment, further promoting healing. Other options may have varying levels of antimicrobial activity, but they do not demonstrate the same efficacy in penetrating and addressing biofilm layers as cadexomer iodine does. This characteristic makes cadexomer iodine an important choice in wound care management, especially for chronic wounds where biofilm presence is a concern.