Certified Wound Care Associate (CWCA) Practice Exam

Question: 1 / 400

What is the minimum duration for applying ELMA cream before a dressing change?

10 minutes

15 minutes

20 minutes

The minimum duration for applying ELMA cream – which is a topical anesthetic containing lidocaine and prilocaine – before changing a dressing is typically 20 minutes. This duration allows for adequate absorption of the medication into the skin to achieve effective pain relief, particularly for procedures involving potential discomfort such as dressing changes.

Using it for less than the recommended time may result in suboptimal anesthesia, which could cause the patient unnecessary pain or discomfort during the dressing change. Therefore, ensuring the cream is left on for at least 20 minutes is essential for maximizing the comfort of the patient and minimizing pain associated with the procedure. The other time intervals provided, while they may still offer some degree of effect, do not guarantee the same level of efficacy as the specified 20 minutes.

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