Types of dressings

Question 1

transparent films

indications

Answer 1

• supports autolytic debridement
• maintains moist wound environment
• protection form shear, friction, bacteria
• allows visualiation
• can be primary or secondary dressing

Question 2

transparent films

disadvantages

Answer 2

• does not adhere well to moist skin
• difficulty to use with heavy exudate wounds
• contributes to periwound maceration
• contraindicated in infected wounds

Question 3

hydrocolloids

Answer 3

• maintain exisiting moisture
• occlusive waffer dressing composed of gel-forming polymers
• when applied to an exuding wound, exudate combines with the polymers to form a soft gel mass in the wound
  may be good with arterial wounds

Question 4

hydrocolloid dressings

indications/pros

Answer 4

• moisture retentive
• encourage autolytic debridement
• impermeable to urine, stool, bacteria
• provide thermal insulation
• waterproof
• moderate absorption

Question 5

hydrocolloid dressings

disadvantages

Answer 5

• may traumatize fragile periwound skin
• unable to visualize wound
• may leave residue in wound bed
• require a primary dressing to fill wound space, fissues or undermining
• may roll in areas of friction
• not for infected wounds

Question 6

hydrogels

Pros

Answer 6

• hydrate dry wound beds (moisture retentive/add moisture)
• encourage autolytic debridement
• rinse easily from wound surface
• soothe wounds and reduce pain

Question 7

hydrogels

disadvantages

Answer 7

• not for exudating wounds
• macerate periwound tissue if wound becomes too wet
• requires secondary dressing
• usually require daily dressing changes
• not for infected wounds

Question 8

gauze

indications

Answer 8

• superficial or cavity wounds
• moderate to heavy drainage
• filler for dead space
• form of mechanical debridement

Question 9

gauze

disadvantages

Answer 9

• may shed, leaving lint in wound
• permeable to moisture and bacteria
• if becomes dry, removal can cause trauma

Question 10

foam

Pros/indications

Answer 10

• less frequent dressing changes
• moisture retentive/absorbs moderate amounts of drainage
• thermal insulation
• cushioning
• adherent and non-adherent forms
• no residue
• primary or secondary dressings

Question 11

foam

disadvantages

Answer 11

• foam memory may make it harder to conform to wound surface
• adhesive may traumatize skin
• may roll
• not on infected wounds
• may macerate if becomes saturated

Question 12

calcium alginate

indications/uses

Answer 12

• Autolytic debridement
• highly absorptive
• infected or uninfected wounds
• conform to wound or fill wound spaces/cavities
• non-adherent
• available with silver or honey for bioburden management

Question 13

calcium alginate

limitations

Answer 13

• requires secondary dressing, to secure in place
• adheres to the wound bed if exudate is inadequate to create gel effect
• not suitable for dry eschar or low exudating wounds