Massachusetts Wildlife Rehabilitator Practice Exam

The term "debride a wound" refers to which of the following actions?

1. Covering a wound with a bandage.

2. Cleaning or removing dead tissue from a wound.

3. Applying medication directly onto a wound.

4. Stitching the wound closed.

The correct answer is: Cleaning or removing dead tissue from a wound.

The term "debride a wound" specifically refers to the process of cleaning or removing dead tissue, foreign material, or contaminated tissue from a wound. This action is crucial in wound care because it helps to promote healing by allowing the healthy tissue to regenerate and fight off potential infections. In veterinary medicine and wildlife rehabilitation, debridement is an essential aspect of managing wounds since dead tissue can hinder the healing process and lead to complications. Covering a wound with a bandage, applying medication directly, or stitching it closed are all relevant but distinct actions that do not encompass the definition of debridement. These actions may be used in conjunction with debridement as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, but they do not represent the specific focus on the removal of dead or non-viable tissue that debridement entails.