NPWT

Question 1

Is NPWT always a sterile technique?

Answer 1

Yes

Question 2

Is NPWT continuous or intermittent suction?

Answer 2

Continuous

Question 3

What is the suction setting range for NPWT?

Answer 3

-50 to -175 mmHg

Question 4

What are the benefits of NPWT?

Answer 4

Remove excess interstitial fluid (decreases edema) & increase blood flow to wound. Draw edges of wound together.

Question 5

What is NPWT used for?

Answer 5

Surgical, trauma, burns, all ulcers, dehisced wounds.

Question 6

What is “instillation therapy” for NPWT? What is it good for?

Answer 6

Cleansers, abx, antifungal, antiseptic. Infected wounds.

Question 7

Silver NPWT, what solution can we not use? Why? What else do we use to irrigate with instead?

Answer 7

NS, inactivates silvers antimicrobial properties. Sterile water.

Question 8

What are some unexpected outcomes? (4).

Answer 8

Wound hemorrhage, increased pain, infection, NPWT seal broken.

Question 9

What do we do if someone with NPWT is experiencing increased pain? (7)

Answer 9

LOTARP, instill NS to let loosen from granulation tissue, decrease pressure setting, change from continuous suction to intermittent, let doctor know, pain med.

Question 10

What do we do if someone with NPWT is experiencing inflm and tenderness, increased drainage and odour is present? (3)

Answer 10

Notify doc, culture, increase frequency of dressing change.

Question 11

How do we avoid breaking the NPWT seal? (3)

Answer 11

Choose suitable wound, clip hair around wound, cut/mold transparent drsg to fit wound

Question 12

Suction cannot attach to which types of foam? What do we need to do if using this type of foam?

Answer 12

Silver/white. Need to have black on top of white or silver.

Question 13

How often are NPWT dressings changed?

Answer 13

q48 hr or 3 times per week (Mon, Wed, Fri)

Question 14

What do we do if the NPWT wound hemorrhages?

Answer 14

Stop the suction, call doctor.