Integ. unit 9 Dressings (Part 2)

Question 1

When choosing the appropriate dressing for a wound, what should we consider?

Answer 1

• Color
  -Pink: epithelialization
  -Red: granulating
  -Yellow/gray: slough
  -Black: necrotic
• Depth:
  -superficial
  -shallow cavity
  -deep cavity
• Exudate level:
  -None
  -Min.
  -Mod.
  -High
• Infection
• Surrounding tissue (periwound)
• Need for compression

Question 2

This wound is a Stage 2 pressure injury presenting as an open, shallow cavity with pink wound bed and minimal serous exudage. What dressings can you use?

Answer 2

Possible choices:

• Film dressing
• Amorphous gel covered by a film dressing
• Hydrogel sheet

Question 3

This is a venous ulcer on the dorsum of the foot with 60% of wound bed covered by yellow slough and moderate level of serosanguinous exudate and tendons are exposed. What dressings can you use?

Answer 3

Possible Dressings:

• Primary Dressing:
  -Hydrogel sheet: To protect exposed tendons
  -Other options: Petrolatum impregnated guaze (xeroform gauze)
• Secondary Dressings:
  -Foam Dressings
  -Silicone foam dressings

Question 4

This is an unstageable pressure injury on the heel which is totally covered by thick black necrotic tissue. What are possible dressings you can use?

Answer 4

• Amorphous Hydrogel to rehydrate and promote autolytic debridement, covered by foam dressing to maintain desired temp and for cushioning
• Score the necrotic tissue and apply a proteolytic enzyme, such as collagenase in santyle, for debridement
• Apply a dry dressing and leave it alone