dressing change Flashcards
What is the purpose of sterile dressings?
Preventing infection, protecting a wound from injury, promoting wound healing
When may sterile dressings be removed?
To clean a wound, debride unhealthy tissue, apply a clean dressing, apply a new treatment, observe or assess wound healing, leave a wound open to the air
True or False: Simple nonacute wound dressing changes may be delegated to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) without a nurse’s assistance.
True
What should UAP report to the nurse during dressing changes?
Patient pain before, during, or after the procedure, difficulties encountered while performing the procedure
What should UAP be instructed in regarding dressing changes?
Appropriate procedure and time to complete, appropriate documentation
How does promoting a moist wound environment affect wound healing?
It has been shown to improve wound healing
What occurs when a wet/damp to dry dressing is removed?
Debridement of the surface tissues
Fill in the blank: Wet/damp to dry dressings may be appropriate for _______.
short term use for debridement
What should be assessed if a patient complains of pain during a dressing change?
Determine whether the pain is new or preexisting
What action should be taken if the complaint of pain is new during a dressing change?
Stop the procedure and medicate or premedicate the patient, according to orders
What signs should be assessed for infection during a dressing change?
Signs or symptoms of infection
What should be included in patient education regarding wound care?
Purpose of treatment, who will change dressings and when, procedure for dressing changes, signs and symptoms of infection
What should be done if gauze is sticking to the wound during dressing removal?
Assess the type of dressing involved
What is the safest way to dispose of a small dressing?
Fold the dressing inside the gloves as they are removed and dispose of them in an appropriate receptacle
What technique should be used to remove tape from a dressing?
Hold the skin taut and pull the tape toward the dressing
What is the purpose of wound cultures?
Determine whether infection exists, determine appropriate treatment for infection, evaluate effectiveness of treatment for infection
True or False: Collecting wound culture may be delegated to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP).
False
What tasks can UAP assist with regarding wound culture collection?
Transporting specimen, patient positioning, comfort, and support
What is the correct way to pack a wound with gauze?
Pack the gauze gently and loosely into the wound
What should be avoided when packing a wound?
Allowing gauze to cover the wound edges
Fill in the blank: Removing excess adhesive on the patient’s skin with an _______ prevents buildup of adhesive.
acetone-free adhesive remover
What is the consequence of packing a wound too tightly?
Increases pressure on the wound, leading to wound damage
