10] Dressings Flashcards
Functions of dressings (5)
Act as a barrier to bacteria
Provide cushioning and protection from shear and compression forces
Decrease pain
Provide for enzymatic or autolytic debridement
Maintain moisture balance
If there is necrotic tissue you want to choose a dressing that promotes?
Autolytic debridement
Examples of autolytic debridement dressings (9)
Hydrogel Hydrocolloid Alginate Foam Silver Silicone Hydrofera blue Unna boot Medihoney
What does NICE stand for
Necrotic tissue
Infection/inflammation
Characteristics
Exudate
A type of dressing you can use in infected wounds
Antimicrobial (silver) dressing
What characteristics should you consider? (3)
Incontinence
Location
Amount of time dressing can be left in place
E- exudate
Match amount of absorbable to drainage
Primary dressings
In contact with the wound
Secondary dressings
Secure primary dressing in place or absorbs excess moisture
When packing wounds.. (3)
Fill it
Dont stuff it
Try to use just 1
Traps wound debris, absorbs exudate from wound
Gauze
Is gauze primary or secondary
Secondary
Advantages of gauze (2)
Good cost
Can be used on infected or non-infected
packing adheres to wound bed; frequent dressing changes; increased infection rate compared to occlusive dressings; no barrier to bacteria
Disadvantages of gauzes
What is transparent film?
Thin membrane permeable to vapor and oxygen but not to bacteria and water
Is transparent film primary or secondary
Secondary
Consider as secondary dressing for ulcers treated with wound fillers that will likely
remain in ulcer for an extended time period
Transparent film
Used for partial or shallow full-thickness wounds; granular or necrotic; minimal
exudate
Hydrocolloid
Consist of gel-forming polymers that absorb exudate
Hydrocolloid
Protect body areas at risk for friction injury orinjury from tape
Transparent film
Adhesive backing adheres to skin surrounding the wound
Hydrocolloid
Do not use as cover over enzymatic agents, gels or ointments
Transparent film
Remove carefully from fragile skin
Transparent film
Advantages of Hydrocolloid (3)
Moist environment- autolytic debridement
Protection
Moderate absorption
May roll in areas of friction; damage to skin of periwound; cannot be used on infected or deep wounds; should not be used on skin tears!
Disadvantages of Hydrocolloid
Two sides of foam
Wound side is hydrophilic and outer surface is hydrophobic
What two types of foams are available
Adhesive and no adhesive
Foam can be left on for
3-4 days
5 advantages of foam
Moist environment Cushions Autolytic debride-mod to heavy absorb Thermal insulation Protects from periwound maceration
Disadvantages of foam (3)
May roll in friction areas
Damage to periwound
Not transparent
What are alginates
Highly permeable, non-occlusive
Alginates are used on what kinds of wound
Partial and full thickness
Contraindications for alginates (4)
Vasculitis
3rd degree burns
Dry wounds
Escher
Advantages: absorb heavy drainage; use on infected or non-infected wounds; can promote autolytic debridement; Can pack Can do hemostasis
Advantages of alginates
2 disadvantages of alginates
Needs secondary dressing
Frequent changes