Wound care

Question 1

4 stages of wound healing

Answer 1

Vascular response (haemostasis),
inflammation,
proliferation,
maturation

Question 2

Why is a moist environment good for wound healing?

Answer 2

• Increases the rate of epithelial migration
• Reduces the lag phase between epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation
• Encourages synthesis of collagen and ground substance
• Promotes formation of capillary loops
• Decreases the length of the inflammatory phase
• Reduces pain and trauma caused by adherence of the dressing
• Promotes breakdown of necrotic tissue
• Speeds up wound contraction

Question 3

Strike-through.

a) What is it, in terms of wound dressings?
b) Management

Answer 3

a) Exudate soaking through the outer layers of the dressing

b) Secondary dressing should be replaced, as there is now a route for external bacteria to get into the wound

Question 4

Alginate dressings.

a) Most suitable for what types of wound?

Answer 4

a) Very wet: those with a high volume exudate

Question 5

Hydrocolloid dressings.

a) Most suitable for what types of wound?

Answer 5

a) Dry to moist

Question 6

How to apply secondary lower limb dressing, and why?

Answer 6

• From toe to knee.

- By bandaging in this direction, the development of pedal oedema is prevented

Question 7

Non-adherent dressings.

Answer 7

-

Question 8

How to apply secondary lower limb dressing, and why?

Answer 8

• From toe to knee.

- By bandaging in this direction, the development of pedal oedema is prevented

Question 9

Most appropriate type of primary lower limb dressing for patient with diabetes or peripheral vascular disease

Answer 9

A two-way stretch bandage.
- This type of bandage, such as Tubifast, is able to conform to the lower limb and keep the dressing in place, without causing excessive pressure