Wound Care Flashcards
factors that affect wound healing
diabetes infection drugs- steroids, asa, anticoagulants nutritional problems tissue necrosis hypoxia excessive tension on wound edges another wound low temperature
referrals
medical conditions that affect healing - diabetes immunocompromised bleeding longer than 10min animal or human bite 2nd or 3rd degree burn wound >2cm wound is deep unable to move injured part dirt and debris cant be removed without scrubbing infected
what are the 3 basic wound care processes
cleanse the wound
stop the bleeding
protect the wound
what should you use to clean the wound
drinkable luke warm water or normal saline others may impair healing
signs of skin infection
redness pain warm to touch swelling drainage/pus fever
when should you use topical antibiotics
superficial mildly infected wound
wounds at high risk for infection
how often should the topical antibiotics be applied and side effects
1-3 times daily
sensitivity, itching, burning
which topical antibiotic damages sensory epithelium of nose
gramicidin
what otc topical antibiotics are there
bacitracin
gramicidin
polymyxin B
what prescription topical antibiotics are there
neomycin
fusidic acid
mupirocin
what products are available with anesthetics and when should they be used
polysporin has lidocaine (irritant)
has some products that can cross react so only use if in pain
how should wounds be monitored
bleeding should stop in 10 minutes (15 if on anticoagulants)
monitor for infection daily for 48 hours
monitor would healing for 2 weeks or more, if not closed within 2-4 weeks further assessment should be done
what is the purpose of dressings
protect wounds from further damage
helps stop bleeding
helps prevent infection
what are primary dressings
placed directly on wound, absorbs fluids, prevents infection and adhesion of the secondary dressing
what are secondary dressings
placed over primary for protection, absorption, compression, occlusion
what is the purpose of guaze dressings and how do you apply them
absorbent and protectant
place directly on wound, moisten with saline, wring out excess fluid, and apply secondary dressing
when would you use a transparent film such as tegaderm
superficial clean wounds where it is required to frequently view the wound, not moist wounds!
purpose and application of transparent films
provide moist environment, protective, water proof
gently lay over wound and overlap by 2.5cm and apply tape
what can hydrogels be used for and what shouldnt they be used for
dry wounds, painful wounds, burns, pressure ulcers
not for gangrenous or weeping wounds
purpose and application of hydrogels
high moisture content, some absorption
apply moderate amount to wound and cover with gauze
when should you use and avoid use of hydrocolloid dressings
use for burns or small abrasions
avoid in dry infected wounds
weeping wounds
purpose and application of hydrocolloid dressings
retains moisture
apply adherent side to skin and hold in place
when would you use or not use alginates
used for packing cavities and wounds, wound drainagem pressure ulcers
do not use in dry wounds
purpose and application of alginates
create moist environment
highly absorbent- dries
can reduce pain
apply dressing to area, cover with secondary dressing and tape in place
