Wound dressings Flashcards
(56 cards)
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.
