WK9-Wound Dressings Flashcards
Why is the goal of wound healing to keep a moist wound environment ?
Facilitate all three phases of wound healing, Preserve endogenous growth factors, trap endogenous enzymes that participate in self or autolytic debridement, promote formation of more cosmetically appealing scars, reduce patient’s pain.
What happens if a wound is too moist ?
leads to maceration, additional skin damage, increased risk of infection
What happens if a wound is too dry ?
desiccation, decreased enzymes and growth factors, scab and crust formation
What are the general purposes of wound dressings ?
although purpose may vary, generally dressings: maintain a moist wound environment, absorb exudate, promote homeostasis, fill dead space in pothole like wounds to prevent abscesses from forming, provide thermal insulation, allow for debridement of necrotic tissue, prevent or treat infections
Differentiate between primary, secondary, and tertiary dressings.
Primary: primary dressings come in contact with the skin
Secondary: secondary dressings adhere primary dressing, absorb drainage, provide occlusive environment which prevents the exchange of air and gas with the outside environment, and provide protection and cushioning.
Tertiary: some wounds may require a third layer to secure dressings.
As an example:
Chlorapactin in gauze, primary dressing
ABD Pad: secondary dressing
Kirlex Wrap: tertiary dressing
Why should you try to minimize dressing change frequency ?
When dressings are changed the wound temperature cools which is counterintuitive to the healing process.
Infected wounds are a notable exception.
Order the moisture retentive dressings from most absorptive to least.
Alginates
Semipermeable foams
Hydrocolloids
Hydrogel
Semipermeable films
Order the gauze dressings from most absorptive to least.
Layers of gauze padding
Gauze pad
nonwoven gauze
woven gauze
What does the term occlusion mean in regard to wound dressings ?
Occlusive refers to a materials ability to allow things like sweat, blood, urine, or feces through it.
List dressings from most occlusive and impermeable to least.
Latex
Hydrocolloids
Hydrogels
Semipermeable foam
Semipermeable film
Impregnated Gauze
Calcium Alginates
Fine-Weave Gauze
Loose-Weave Gauze
Air
What are some clinical decision making factors for dressings and dressing supplements.
Amount of wound drainage: absorptive v non-absorptive
condition of wound bed: granular or necrotic
Present of wound infection
skin condition ( adhesives tolerable?: fragile v tough skin
Frequency of dressing changes: how long does it need to be on ?
Availability of wound dressings
Cost of dressing
Wound location: may affect dressing adherence
What WAS the patient using before ?
Describe the dressing class: Alginates
Fibers of alginate react with wound exudate to form a hydrophilic gel to provide a moist wound environment. Should be fluffed not stuffed, allowing for granulation tissue to grow.
What are the advantages of Alginate dressings ?
Advantages:
highly absorptive, encourages autolytic debridement, works well under compression bandages, can be used for infected wounds if changes daily, fibers emulsify in the wound and will not cause damage, can stop bleeding; useful after sharp debridement.
What are the disadvantages of Alginate dressings ?
Can rehydrate wound, requires secondary dressing, may require irrigation to completely remove
Describe the dressing class: Semipermeable foam
non-sticking, absorbent, sponge-like polymer
should not be used for infected wounds unless changed daily
What are the advantages of a semipermeable foam dressing ?
Keeps wound moist and warm, provides cushioning, permeable to gas but not bacteria, promotes autolytic debridement, will absorb moderate amount of drainage but won’t dry out wound, can be left in place for several days, can be used under compression dressings.
What are the disadvantages of semipermeable foam dressings ?
can roll at edges, adhesive kinds may damage periwound, may need secondary dressing, may macerate periwound as it absorbs fluid, especially if the dressing does not have wicking properties. Foam should be cut to size.
What dressings would be suitable for a venous insufficiency ulcer ?
Alginate and Semipermeable foams, hydrofibers
Describe the dressing class: Hydrofibers
a mix between alginates and hydrocolloids. It is a highly absorptive non woven pad, can be made of rayon/cellulose fibers.
What are the advantages of hydrofibers ?
Absorbs moderate to large amounts of drainage, works well under compression dressings, can stay in place for several days, interaction with wound exudate forms a gel.
What are the disadvantages to hydrofibers ?
may fuse to bloody wound base and therefore should not be used after debridement, can dehydrate wound if there is scant drainage
Describe the dressing class: Hydrocolloids
” sticky boys”, adhesive wafers composed of gelation, pection, and cellulose; it is an occlusive dressing not to be used for infected wounds; not for wounds with exposed tendon or fascia
when applying should be warmed up in PTs hands for proper adherence