Physical Therapy Assistant Practice Exam

Which symptom typically indicates the need for a thorough wound assessment before treatment?

1. Patient's mobility

2. Level of pain

3. Degree of swelling

4. Presence of necrotic tissue

The correct answer is: Presence of necrotic tissue

The presence of necrotic tissue is a critical indicator that a thorough wound assessment is needed before proceeding with treatment. Necrotic tissue, also known as dead tissue, can significantly impede the healing process. It can lead to infection, delay recovery, and complicate the care plan. Therefore, identifying necrotic tissue requires careful evaluation to determine the extent of tissue damage and the appropriate treatment approach. This assessment often informs decisions on whether debridement is necessary and what types of dressings or therapies may be appropriate for promoting healing. When assessing wounds, other factors such as a patient's mobility, level of pain, and degree of swelling are important as well, but they do not directly necessitate a detailed wound assessment to the same extent as the presence of necrotic tissue does. Mobility may influence treatment strategies, pain levels can guide pain management protocols, and swelling can indicate inflammation or other conditions, but none of these symptoms highlight a critical alteration in the wound bed itself that requires immediate and detailed intervention. In contrast, necrotic tissue signals a potential bacterial infection and a need for intervention that must be carefully assessed to avoid complications.