National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

What is the most appropriate intervention for managing necrotic tissue in a wound?

1. Debridement to facilitate granulation

2. Moisture-retaining dressing application

3. Broad-spectrum topical antibiotic application

4. Compression bandaging

The correct answer is: Debridement to facilitate granulation

Debridement is considered the most appropriate intervention for managing necrotic tissue in a wound because it involves the removal of dead or devitalized tissue. This is essential for promoting healing, as necrotic tissue can be a barrier to the formation of new granulation tissue and can also promote infection. By facilitating the growth of healthy tissue, debridement helps to create an environment conducive to healing. In contrast, moisture-retaining dressing application might be effective for maintaining a moist environment but does not address the underlying issue of necrotic tissue. Similarly, the use of broad-spectrum topical antibiotics may help prevent or treat infection, but it does not remove the dead tissue that can impede the healing process. Compression bandaging can aid in managing edema and promoting blood flow, but it does not specifically target the necrotic tissue itself. Therefore, debridement is the most direct and effective approach for managing necrotic tissue in a wound.