CWCN Practice Test 2026 – Certified
Wound Care Nurse | 15 Exam Questions
with Verified Answers
Question 1
When assessing a chronic wound that suddenly produces a foul odor and increased drainage,
what is the nurse's priority action?
A. Apply additional absorbent dressings.
B. Notify the provider and obtain a wound culture.
C. Increase frequency of dressing changes.
D. Flush the wound with normal saline and reassess later.
Answer B.
A new foul odor and increased drainage indicate possible infection. The nurse must obtain a
wound culture before initiating any new topical treatments to ensure appropriate antimicrobial
management.
Question 2
Which of the following factors most delays wound healing in an elderly patient with diabetes
mellus?
A increased blood viscosity.
B reduced peripheral profusion and oxygenation.
C. High protein intake.
D. Elevated lucasite activity.
Answer B.
Peripheral circulation is often impaired in diabetic patients, especially the elderly, limiting oxygen
and nutrient delivery, essential for granulation and epithelialization.
Question 3
A wound displays beefy red granulation tissue, but no epithelial migration. Which dressing is
most appropriate?
A. hydrocoloid
B. Algenate
, C. Non-adherent contact layer with secondary cover
D. Transparent film
Answer C.
A non-adherent dressing protects granulation tissue while promoting moist healing. Epithelial
cells migrate more effectively when the wound bed remains moist yet undisturbed.
Question 4
Which finding best differentiates Venus ulcers from arterial ulcers?
A dry pale wound bed.
B location near medial malus with irregular edges.
C deep punched out appearance.
D absent distal pulses.
Answer B.
Venus ulcers are typically shallow, irregularly shaped, and located near the medial ankle due to
venus stasis and fluid accumulation.
Question 5
What is the primary purpose of negative pressure wound therapy, NPWT?
A deliver topical antibiotics directly to the wound.
B reduce wound surface tension and promote profusion.
C dry out exudate to prevent bacterial growth.
D. Increase tissue pressure to slow bleeding.
Answer B.
NPWT applies controlled suction that removes excess fluid, reduces edema, and enhances
local profusion, stimulating granulation tissue formation. A stage three pressure injury now
shows yellow slooh.
Question 6
Which step is most appropriate before applying a new dressing?
A. Apply a heat pack.
B. Mechanically or enzyatically debride the slooh.
C. Cover with a dry sterile dressing.
D. Flush with hydrogen peroxide.
Answer. B.
Wound Care Nurse | 15 Exam Questions
with Verified Answers
Question 1
When assessing a chronic wound that suddenly produces a foul odor and increased drainage,
what is the nurse's priority action?
A. Apply additional absorbent dressings.
B. Notify the provider and obtain a wound culture.
C. Increase frequency of dressing changes.
D. Flush the wound with normal saline and reassess later.
Answer B.
A new foul odor and increased drainage indicate possible infection. The nurse must obtain a
wound culture before initiating any new topical treatments to ensure appropriate antimicrobial
management.
Question 2
Which of the following factors most delays wound healing in an elderly patient with diabetes
mellus?
A increased blood viscosity.
B reduced peripheral profusion and oxygenation.
C. High protein intake.
D. Elevated lucasite activity.
Answer B.
Peripheral circulation is often impaired in diabetic patients, especially the elderly, limiting oxygen
and nutrient delivery, essential for granulation and epithelialization.
Question 3
A wound displays beefy red granulation tissue, but no epithelial migration. Which dressing is
most appropriate?
A. hydrocoloid
B. Algenate
, C. Non-adherent contact layer with secondary cover
D. Transparent film
Answer C.
A non-adherent dressing protects granulation tissue while promoting moist healing. Epithelial
cells migrate more effectively when the wound bed remains moist yet undisturbed.
Question 4
Which finding best differentiates Venus ulcers from arterial ulcers?
A dry pale wound bed.
B location near medial malus with irregular edges.
C deep punched out appearance.
D absent distal pulses.
Answer B.
Venus ulcers are typically shallow, irregularly shaped, and located near the medial ankle due to
venus stasis and fluid accumulation.
Question 5
What is the primary purpose of negative pressure wound therapy, NPWT?
A deliver topical antibiotics directly to the wound.
B reduce wound surface tension and promote profusion.
C dry out exudate to prevent bacterial growth.
D. Increase tissue pressure to slow bleeding.
Answer B.
NPWT applies controlled suction that removes excess fluid, reduces edema, and enhances
local profusion, stimulating granulation tissue formation. A stage three pressure injury now
shows yellow slooh.
Question 6
Which step is most appropriate before applying a new dressing?
A. Apply a heat pack.
B. Mechanically or enzyatically debride the slooh.
C. Cover with a dry sterile dressing.
D. Flush with hydrogen peroxide.
Answer. B.
