Debridement

Question 1

selective debridement

Answer 1

involves removal of only non-viable tissues from a wound

• sharp debridement
• enzymatic debridement
• autolytic debridement

Question 2

sharp debridement

Answer 2

• scalpel, scissors, and or forceps
• most often used for wounds with large amounts of thick, adherent, necrotic tissue but can also be used in the presence of cellulitis or sepsis

Question 3

enzymatic debridement

Answer 3

topical application of enzymatic preparation to necrotic tissue

• can be on on infected or non-infected wounds with necrotic tissue
• may be used for wounds that did not respond to autolytic debridement

Question 4

autolytic debridement

Answer 4

use of the body’s own mechanisms to remove nonviable tissue

• transparent films, hydrocolloids, hydrogels, alginates
• establishes a moist wound environment that rehydrates necrotic tissue and eschar
• should not be used on infected wounds

Question 5

non-selective debridement

Answer 5

involves removal of both viable and non viable tissues from a wound 
- AKA "mechanical debridement" 
wet-to- dry dressings 
wound irrigation 
hydrotherapy (whirlpool)

Question 6

wet to dry dressings

Answer 6

moistened gauze dressing over necrotic tissue

• dry completely and then later removed with tissue adhered to the gauze
• most often used for wounds with moderate amounts of exudate and necrotic tissue

Question 7

wound irrigation

Answer 7

removes necrotic tissue from wound bed using pressured fluid (pulsatile lavage)
- desirable for infected wounds or loose debris

Question 8

hyrdrotherapy

Answer 8

• whirlpool tank with agitation

- many side effects, maceration, edema, hypotension