Exam II Flashcards
what are the benefits of moist wound healing over dry wound healing?
(1) promotes autolytic debridement
(2) prevents damage from dehydration
(3) protects granulating tissue and promotes epithelialization
what temperature should wounds be kept at?
98.6 degree F / 37 degrees C
what is the difference between primary and secondary dressings?
(1) primary: first dressing that covers a wound
(2) secondary: all dressings applied over the primary dressing
what are inert dressings?
passive dressings that absorb exudate; permeable to bacterial and micro organisms (ex. gauze)
what are interactive dressings?
work with fluid and tissue cells to promote wound healing (ex. film dressings)
what are the primary functions of film dressings?
(1) permeable to oxygen and water, but impermeable to micro organisms (provide moist environment)
(2) flexible, elastic, transparent (observe wound without removing)
(3) NOT absorbent
what are the indications for film dressings? (3)
(1) minor burns
(2) simple injuries (abrasions, skin tears)
(3) post-op dressing over incision
what are the primary functions of foam dressings?
(1) one or multiple layers; may have waterproof backing or charcoal
(2) provide moist environment
(3) HIGH absorbency
(4) provide protection
(5) transmit moisture vapor out of the dressing
what are the indications for foam dressings? (4)
(1) exuding wounds
(2) superficial and cavity type wounds
(3) LE ulcers (ex. venous ulcers)
(4) pressure injuries
what are the primary functions of hydrogel dressings?
(1) provide moisture to dry wounds
(2) can provide moisture OR absorb moisture
(3) aid in autolytic debridement
what are the indications for hydrogel dressings? (6)
(1) dry or minimally draining wounds
(2) full or partial thickness wounds that require hydration
(3) LE wounds (ex. arterial ulcers)
(4) over tendons and other tissues to prevent tissue dehydration
(5) infected or necrotic wounds
(6) pressure injuries (stage 2-4)
what are the primary functions of hydrocolloid dressings?
(1) provide moist wound environment
(2) NOT for heavily exuding wounds
(3) protect from microorganisms
(4) waterproof surface
what are the indications for hydrocolloid dressings? (2)
(1) superficial, partial thickness wounds of various etiologies
(2) LE wounds, burns, and pressure injuries
what are the primary functions of alginates?
(1) made of alginic acids from seaweed
(2) provide moist environment
(3) highly absorbent
(4) promotes hemostasis
what are the indications for alginates? (6)
(1) heavily exuding wounds, including sanguineous exudate
(2) infected wounds
(3) cavity wounds
(4) LE wounds
(5) pressure injuries
(6) donor sites
what are the primary functions of hydroactive dressings?
(1) highly absorbent
(2) provide moist environment
(3) semipermeable to water vapor (control moisture in wound bed)
(4) can expand and contract shape with motion
what are the indications of hydroactive dressings?
(1) moderate to heavy exudate
(2) LE ulcers (venous ulcers)
(3) pressure injuries
(4) wounds around joints
how do blood glucose levels affect wound healing?
elevated blood glucose levels stiffen arteries and cause narrowing of blood vessels (causes diabetic wounds and affect proper wound healing)
how does diabetes affect wound healing?
(1) decreased blood flow causes reduced oxygen to the wound
(2) elevated blood glucose decreases the function of RBCs carrying nutrients; also reducing efficiency of WBCs that fight infections
(3) this reduced blood flow and nutrients causes a wound to heal slowly
what is the number 1 reason for limb amputation in the US?
diabetes (secondary to gangrene)
how does nutrition play a role in burn management and improve survival rates?
(1) enteral nutrition with glutamine preserves mucosal integrity
(2) parental nutrition via IV with 5% dextrose and 5% albumin
what are two quick ways to estimate the extent of burns? (2)
(1) Palmar Method
(2) Rule of 9’s Method
what is an accurate and quick method for estimating the extent of burns?
Lund-Browder
what are the different grades of burns based on depth?
(1) superficial
(2) superficial partial thickness
(3) deep partial thickness
(4) full thickness
