Dressing Selection Flashcards
1
Q
What to do if a wound is infected
A
- do not occlude
- a moist, dark, warm environment can assist in bacterial/fungal growth
- if not already performed, request a culture
2
Q
When to not use topical antibacterials for infected wounds
A
- don’t use topical agents that are also administered systemically to avoid development of resistant-strain organisms
- don’t use topical agents that are known allergens
- don’t use topical agents that have a high cellular toxicity
3
Q
What to do for noninflected wounds
A
- debridement (autolytic or enzymatic)
- moist wound healing (granulation & epithelial cell migration)
4
Q
When to use and when not to use autolytic debridement
A
- to use the wound must demonstrate signs & symptoms of inflammation suggesting WBC present
- can not be performed infected
5
Q
When should you not do enzymatic debridement
A
- do not use if granulation tissue is present
6
Q
Describe moist wound dressings
A
- wound dressings need to maintain a moist wound environment but not stick to the wound during removal
- exudate must be contained
- a dry wound needs a hydrating agent to prevent the exudates from becoming a glue-like substance
7
Q
What dressings can be used for non-infected wounds
A
- hydrogels
- transparent films
- hydrocolloids
- hydrocellular foams
8
Q
What dressings can be used for infected wounds
A
- alginates
- hydrofibers
- composite border dressings/island dressings
9
Q
Hydrogels
A
- dry or minimal draining wounds - add moisture to the wound bed
- change every 1-3 days
- sheet or gel
- should not be used with infections
10
Q
Transparent films
A
- adhesive, semipermeable polyurethane dressings that are clear, waterproof, & impermeable to bacteria & other contaminants
- no absorbent ability but maintain a moist wound environment to promote autolytic debridement
- can be used as a primary (shallow wounds) or secondary (deeper wounds) dressing
- should not be used with infections
11
Q
Hydrocolliods
A
- provide a moist wound environment in wounds with small to moderate exudate & promotes autolytic debridement
- can lead to an unpleasant odor
- should not be used with infections
12
Q
Hydrocellular foam
A
- intended for absorption of moderate to heavy exudate
- foams have also been used for padding in areas of constant trauma
- should not be used with infections
13
Q
Alginates & hydrofibers
A
- used as primary dressings, can fill dead space, & require a secondary dressing
- used for moderate to heavy exudate & promotes autolytic debridement
14
Q
Composite border dressing/Island dressing
A
- made of non adherent gauze with border tape & covered by a transparent film to protect the wound from outside contaminants
- may be used in combination with enzymatic debridement agents or with alginates
15
Q
Tissue engineered therapies
A
- Dermagraft & Apligraf
- provide living fibroblasts, which produce necessary growth factors & collagen to the wound base