Topical Agents Wound Care

Question 1

Topical Agents: SIlver Sulfadiazine

Answer 1

• Advantages:
  
  • w/ or w/o dressings
  • painless
  • applied to wound directly
  • broad spectrum
  • effective against yeast
• Disadvantages:
  
  • does not penetrate eschar

Question 2

Topical Agents: Silver Nitrate

Answer 2

• Advantages:
  
  • broad spectrum
  • non-allergenic
  • dressing application is painless
• Disadvantages:
  
  • poor penetration
  • discolors, making assessment difficult
  • cause severe electrolyte imbalances
  • **removal of dressings is painful **

Question 3

Topical Agents: Poviodone-iodine

Answer 3

• Advantages:
  
  • broad spectrum
  • antifungal
  • easily removed with water
• Disadvantages:
  
  • not affective against pseudomonas
  • may impair thyroid function
  • **painful application **

Question 4

Topical Agents: Mafenide Acetate

Answer 4

• Advantages:
  
  • broad spectrum
  • penetrates burn eschar
  • may be used w or w/o occlusive dressings
• Disadvantages:
  
  • may cause metabolic acidosis
  • may compromise respiratory function
  • inhibit epithelialization
  • painful application

Question 5

Topical Agents: Gentamicin

Answer 5

• Advantages:
  
  • broad spectrum
  • may be covered or left in open air
• Disadvantages:
  
  • has caused resistant strains
  • ototoxic
  • nephrotoxic

Question 6

Topical Agents: Nitrofurazone

Answer 6

• Advantages:
  
  • bacterocidal
  • broad spectrum
• Disadvantages:
  
  • may lead to over growth or fungus and pseudomonas
  • **painful application **