Open wound management Flashcards
What is the role of the primary dressing layer?
It depends upon the wound!
- Necrotic - adherent debriding dressing
- Repair phase - non-adherent protective dressing
Describe mechanical debridement.
An adherent dressing is applied to the wound and pulled off after a set time, pulls of/ debrides necrotic tissue with removal
Why is it vital not to overuse adherent dressings on a wound site?
They may debride migrating epithelial and granulation tissue
Name a highly absorbent primary dressing useful for highly exudative wounds.
Calcium alginate
Fenstrated polyester
Polyurethane
Name a low absorbent/ permeable primary dressing useful for wounds which are not secreting high levels of exudate.
Polyethylene film dressings
Petrolatum impregnated - gelonet
Why are regular dressing changes vital in infected wounds?
Prevent bacterial multiplication in the moist environment
Infected wounds produce more exudate
Name and describe two types of adherent primary dressing.
- Dry - useful with adherent debris or non-water soluble debris.
- Wet-dry - liquifies thick exudate and enhances absorption by capillary action.
Remember use care when removing! (painful/ damaging)
Outline the action of a calcium alginate dressing.
- Absorbs water and exudate on contact
- Forms a non-adherent gel on the wound surface
- Extremely absorbant
Indicated for heavily exudating wounds, debridement and wounds at any stage of the repair phase.
Melolin is an example of whay type of dressing?
Outline their action on a wound
Fenestrated polyester film
Absorbant but the film prevents adherence to wound surface - good protecting dressing
Allevyn is an example of what type of dressing?
Outline their action on a wound surface.
Hydrocellular foam dressing
Highly absorbant but do not transmit fluid to secondary layer - good for ulcers
What is a hydrocolloid dressing mainly made up of?
Outline its action on a wound surface.
Cellulose
As the dressing absorbed moisture from the wound it becomes a gel.
Absorbs exudate, creates a barrier to bacteria and promotes autolytic debridment
How do polyethylene work?
They wick fluid to the secondary layer and protect the wound surface
Hyperosmolar agent …
Manuka (hospital-grade) honey
How does application of manuka honey on a wound aid healing?
Bactericidal
- Hyperosmolar
- Dehydrate bacteria
- Decrease wound pH
- Hydrogen peroxide produced
Maggots of what species are used in wound management?
Lucilia sericata
Used as a wound debrider
