Negative-pressure wound therapy is most appropriately considered for which type of wound?

• A. Used only for acute wounds
• B. Used for superficial wounds only
• C. For select chronic wounds including large, deep, or exudative wounds
• D. Not used in wounds with infection

Answer: (C)

Negative-pressure wound therapy works by applying controlled suction to a wound, which helps remove excess fluid, reduce edema, and increase local blood flow. This combination promotes the formation of granulation tissue and helps draw wound edges together. Because of these effects, NPWT is especially advantageous for wounds that are chronic and already difficult to heal—particularly those that are large, deep, or produce a lot of exudate. In such cases standard dressings struggle to manage drainage and support healing, whereas NPWT can provide the physicochemical environment that accelerates recovery. It isn’t limited to acute or superficial wounds, and while infection requires careful management, NPWT can be used in infected wounds once infection is controlled. So the best fit is select chronic wounds including large, deep, or exudative wounds.