Certified Nurses Operating Room (CNOR) Practice Exam

Which classification of wound is described for a total knee arthroplasty (TKA)?

1. Clean Wound

2. Contaminated Wound

3. Dirty/Infected Class

4. Clean/Contaminated

The correct answer is: Clean Wound

A total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is classified as a clean wound because it is a surgical procedure performed under sterile conditions. In clean surgical procedures, there is an absence of significant contamination during the operation, and the surgical site is carefully prepared and maintained as sterile. In the context of TKA, the procedure aims to replace damaged joint surfaces with prosthetic implants in a controlled environment, minimizing the risk of infection. The classification stems from the fact that, although there may be some risks associated with the procedure due to inherent patient factors (such as existing joint issues), the operation itself, when appropriately conducted using sterile techniques, does not involve entry into contaminated spaces or exposure to pathogens that would classify it as anything other than clean. This classification has implications for the expected postoperative management, as clean wounds typically have lower rates of infection and can be managed with standard postoperative care protocols, compared to contaminated or infected wounds, where more complex treatment may be required.