Wound Care Certified Certification (WCC) Practice Exam 2025 - Free WCC Practice Questions and Study Guide

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is a specialized treatment method that utilizes a vacuum to promote wound healing, particularly for certain types of wounds. It is designed to remove excess exudate, promote perfusion, and facilitate the granulation tissue formation necessary for healing. However, there are specific contraindications for its use.

In the case of a wound with 50% eschar, NPWT is contraindicated because the presence of significant eschar indicates a devitalized tissue that should not be under negative pressure. Eschar can impede healing and may harbor bacteria, which can lead to infection if not properly addressed. The eschar needs to be debrided before initiating NPWT to ensure that only healthy tissue is being treated, as this therapy is most effective on wounds with viable tissue and adequate blood supply.

A clean surgical wound is typically an ideal candidate for NPWT due to the absence of infection and the potential for enhanced healing. Wounds with minimal exudate may not require NPWT since the therapy is more effective for heavily exudative wounds. Additionally, superficial abrasions are usually minor injuries that do not necessitate advanced therapies like NPWT, as they often heal well with basic wound care.

Thus, negative pressure wound therapy is