What is a CMA's role in wound care medications?

• A. Apply prescribed topical agents and dressings per order, maintain hygiene; not perform sterile procedure beyond scope; report changes.
• B. Perform surgical debridement.
• C. Prescribe antibiotics.
• D. Change sterile dressings without order.

Answer: (A)

Familiar wound care practices show that a CMA’s job is to implement the plan by applying topical medications and dressings exactly as ordered, while keeping hands and the surrounding area clean to prevent infection. This includes maintaining good hygiene, using clean technique, and observing the wound for changes such as increased drainage, new redness, odor, or execution of more pain, and then reporting those changes to the licensed nurse so adjustments can be made. Tasks like surgical debridement, prescribing antibiotics, or changing sterile dressings without an order require higher-level training or a clinician’s authorization, so they fall outside a CMA’s role. Keeping within these duties ensures safe, appropriate wound care administration.