Wound dressings Flashcards
Q: What is the first step before cleansing a surgical wound?
A:
Explain the procedure to the patient.
Obtain the patient’s informed consent.
Ensure the patient’s privacy and comfort during the procedure.
Q: How should patients be positioned for wound cleansing?
A:
Use a supine position for abdominal wounds.
Use a left lateral position for back, leg, or buttock wounds.
Limit exposure to only the area being treated.
Q: What is the difference between primary and secondary intention healing in surgical wounds?
A:
Primary intention: Wound edges are closed with sutures, clips, or skin closure strips.
Secondary intention: Wounds heal from the base upward, often left open due to infection or significant tissue loss.
Q: When and how should a wound healing by primary intention be cleansed?
A:
Clean with 0.9% normal saline within the first 48 hours
.
After 48 hours, use a clean technique with warm potable tap water if necessary.
Q: How should wounds healing by secondary intention be managed?
A:
Use a clean technique for wound cleansing.
Bathing or showering is recommended for wounds like abscesses or pilonidal sinus.
Advise patients that they can shower safely 48 hours after surgery.
Q: When should an aseptic technique be used for wound care?
A:
For wounds with debris, deep cavities, or excessive exudate.
When caring for patients who are immunosuppressed, have diabetes, or are at high risk of infection.
For surgical drain sites and open orthopaedic wounds.
Q: What is the difference between an aseptic and a clean technique?
A:
Aseptic technique: Prevents the introduction of pathogenic bacteria using sterile gloves and sterile solutions.
Clean technique: Reduces contamination risk using clean gloves and potable tap water while avoiding direct contact with the wound.
Q: Why is it important to warm saline before cleansing a wound?
A:
Prevents discomfort for the patient.
Avoids cooling the wound, which can delay healing.
Q: How should equipment be prepared for surgical wound cleansing?
A:
Use a sterile wound care pack (sterile field, gauze swabs, gloves).
Clean the trolley with detergent or alcohol wipes.
Warm the 0.9% saline solution before use.
Q: What steps should be followed when a dressing is adhered to the wound?
A:
Use warm sterile saline to soak the dressing (within 48 hours post-op).
After 48 hours, use warm potable tap water.
Remove the dressing carefully to avoid tissue trauma.
Q: How should the wound be cleansed during dressing changes?
A:
Use a non-touch technique with a moistened swab.
Clean from the cleanest area outward.
Use a fresh swab for each wipe and discard after use.
Q: What are the signs of infection to look for in a surgical wound?
A:
Redness, heat, swelling, and tenderness.
Excessive exudate or unusual odor.
Delayed healing or wound breakdown.
Q: What should be done after the wound has been cleansed?
A:
Apply an appropriate dressing.
Ensure the patient is comfortable.
Provide bathing advice and instructions if the dressing gets wet.
Q: How should waste be disposed of after wound care?
A:
Discard waste into a clinical waste bag.
Dispose of sharp instruments in a yellow sharps bin.
Follow local infection control policies.
Q: What should be documented after performing wound care?
A:
The cleansing method used.
The condition of the wound and surrounding skin.
The type of dressing applied and any patient concerns.
Q: When is it necessary to cleanse a surgical wound?
A:
Only if the wound is visibly soiled or has excessive exudate.
Routine cleansing may damage fragile tissue and delay healing.
Q: How can wound exudate impact healing?
A:
Small amounts of exudate may have bactericidal properties.
Excessive exudate should be removed to prevent infection.
Q: What is the role of a non-touch technique in wound care?
A:
Prevents cross-contamination.
Involves using sterile or clean tools without touching the wound directly.
Q: How should pain be managed during surgical wound care?
A:
Assess the patient’s pain level before starting.
Administer prescribed analgesia at least 30 minutes prior to the procedure if needed.
Use gentle handling and warm solutions to minimize discomfort.
Q: Why is it important to check for allergies before wound care?
A:
Prevents allergic reactions to products like adhesive dressings, cleansing solutions, or antiseptics.
Confirm any known allergies and select hypoallergenic alternatives if necessary.
Document any allergies in the patient’s medical records.
Q: How can the surrounding skin be protected during wound care?
A:
Apply a barrier cream or protective film to prevent maceration from moisture.
Use dressings that prevent adhesive damage to sensitive skin.
Avoid excessive cleansing of the surrounding area to protect healthy skin.
Q: What should patients be taught about wound care at home?
A:
Recognize signs of infection (e.g., redness, swelling, pain, discharge).
Keep the wound clean and dry.
Follow instructions on when and how to change dressings.
Contact healthcare providers if concerns arise.
Q: How often should surgical wound dressings be changed?
A:
Change only if the dressing is loose, wet, or visibly soiled.
Routine dressing changes are not necessary within the first 48 hours unless indicated.
Follow clinical guidelines for specific wound types and conditions.
Q: What is the definition of asepsis and aseptic technique?
A:
Asepsis: Absence of potentially pathogenic microorganisms.
Aseptic technique: A set of practices designed to prevent the transfer of microorganisms to susceptible body sites or sterile equipment.
Q: Why is the aseptic technique important in a hospital setting?
A:
Prevents the transfer of pathogens to wounds or invasive devices.
Reduces the risk of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs).
Ensures patient safety during procedures like wound dressing, catheterization, and IV cannulation.
Q: What are the key steps before performing an aseptic procedure?
A:
Explain the procedure to the patient and obtain consent.
Ensure the environment is clean and dust-free.
Wait at least 30 minutes after cleaning for dust to settle.
Q: What are the types of aseptic techniques?
A:
Sterile Technique: Uses sterile gloves, equipment, and solutions.
Clean Technique: Uses clean gloves and clean, non-sterile equipment for low-risk procedures.
Q: When should a sterile technique be used instead of a clean technique?
A:
For immunocompromised patients or post-surgical patients.
When handling open wounds, invasive devices, or surgical drains.
Q: What is the correct method for hand hygiene before aseptic procedures?
A:
Wash hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
Dry with a disposable paper towel.
Q: How should the working area be prepared for an aseptic procedure?
A:
Clean the trolley using detergent or alcohol-based wipes.
Start from the furthest point, working forward in an ‘S’ shape to avoid recontamination.
Q: What are the steps for gathering and preparing equipment?
A:
Select appropriate sterile packs and sterile fluids.
Check the expiry dates and ensure packaging is intact.
Warm any solutions (e.g., saline) to avoid discomfort.
Q: How should sterile gloves be donned correctly?
A:
Only touch the inner surface of the gloves.
Avoid contact with any non-sterile surfaces.
Q: What are the key steps in carrying out an aseptic procedure?
A:
Use sterile forceps or a sterile disposal bag to handle equipment.
Avoid touching any non-sterile surfaces.
Dispose of used items immediately in the waste bag.
Q: How should sterile fluids be handled during an aseptic procedure?
A:
Swab the sachet with an alcohol wipe before opening.
Pour solution into a sterile container without splashing.
Q: What should be done if sterile equipment is contaminated?
A:
Dispose of the contaminated item following local policy.
Re-create the sterile field with new equipment.
Q: How is patient comfort and dignity maintained during the procedure?
A:
Explain each step of the procedure.
Only expose the necessary area of the body.
Provide privacy using curtains or screens.
Q: What are the steps for waste disposal after an aseptic procedure?
A:
Place waste in the correct clinical waste bin.
Dispose of sharps in a yellow sharps bin.
Q: What are the steps for removing gloves and apron after the procedure?
A:
Remove gloves using the glove-to-glove, skin-to-skin method.
Roll the apron without touching the contaminated side and dispose of it.
Q: How should the trolley be cleaned after the procedure?
A:
Use an alcohol-based wipe to clean all surfaces.
Follow the ‘S’ shape cleaning method to prevent recontamination.
Q: What should be documented after performing an aseptic procedure?
A:
Record the procedure details, patient’s response, and any observations.
Update the patient’s care plan accordingly.
Q: What are the core principles of aseptic technique?
A:
Hand hygiene.
Use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Maintaining a sterile field.
Proper handling of sterile equipment.
Safe waste disposal.
Q: When should an aseptic technique be adapted for specific patients?
A:
For patients with diabetes, cancer, or those who are immunocompromised.
Adapt technique based on the patient’s clinical condition.
Q: How can contamination be prevented during an aseptic procedure?
A:
Avoid touching the sterile field.
Replace any item that becomes contaminated.
Limit movement around the sterile area to prevent airborne contamination.
Q: Why is a risk assessment important before performing an aseptic procedure?
A:
Identifies patient-specific risks (e.g., immunosuppression, chronic conditions) that may increase infection risk.
Ensures the procedure is performed in an appropriate environment.
Determines whether a sterile or clean technique is required.
Q: How can the integrity of the sterile field be maintained during procedures?
A:
Avoid leaning over or reaching across the sterile field.
Keep sterile items above waist level and within view.
Only sterile items should touch the sterile field.
Q: What steps should be taken if accidental contamination occurs during the procedure?
A:
Stop the procedure immediately.
Dispose of contaminated items following local policy.
Replace contaminated items and re-establish the sterile field.
Document the incident and inform the patient if necessary.
Q: What role does Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) play in aseptic technique?
A:
Gloves: Prevent hand-to-patient contamination.
Aprons/Gowns: Protect clothing and skin from contamination.
Masks/Face Shields: Prevent respiratory droplets from contaminating the sterile field.
Eye protection: Shields eyes from splashes of bodily fluids.
Q: How do environmental controls reduce contamination risk during aseptic procedures?
A:
Perform procedures in a clean, clutter-free environment.
Minimize airflow and movement around the sterile field.
Ensure doors and windows are closed to prevent airborne contamination.
Clean the area at least 30 minutes before the procedure to allow dust to settle.
Q: Why is the aseptic technique important in the community setting?
A:
Prevents infection in vulnerable patients during procedures like wound care, catheterisation, and IV cannulation.
Reduces the risk of cross-contamination in less controlled environments.
Q: What steps must be taken to prepare the environment for an aseptic procedure in the community?
A:
Ensure the environment is clean and dust-free.
Close windows and turn off fans.
Stop cleaning activities for at least 30 minutes to let dust settle.
Exclude pets from the room.
Q: What equipment is necessary for performing an aseptic technique in the community?
A:
Sterile pack appropriate for the procedure.
Sterile saline or cleansing fluid.
Sterile gloves in the correct size.
Non-sterile gloves for preparation.
Paper towels and an appropriate waste disposal bag.
Alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
Q: How should the patient be prepared for an aseptic procedure?
A:
Explain the procedure and obtain consent.
Refer to the patient’s notes for allergies or care plans.
Position the patient comfortably and maintain their privacy.
Q: What is the correct method for removing gloves and apron after the procedure?
A:
Remove gloves using the glove-to-glove, skin-to-skin technique.
Remove the apron by breaking the neck strap first, then the waist ties.
Dispose of both in the correct waste bag.
Q: How can contamination be minimized during a community procedure?
A:
Limit movement around the sterile area.
Exclude pets and turn off fans.
Keep the sterile field at waist level and in view.
Q: What additional precautions should be taken when working remotely in the community?
A:
Bring all necessary equipment in a clean container.
Ensure the environment is safe and clean before starting.
Q: How should healthcare professionals prepare for emergencies during community procedures?
A:
Carry emergency contact numbers and follow the local escalation policy.
Have basic first aid supplies readily available.
Be trained in identifying and managing adverse reactions or complications.
