Wound Dressings

Question 1

Gauze Indications

Answer 1

1. Non-occlusive and absorptive (dries the wound)
2. Mechanical debridement (non-selectively removes a layer when dressing removed)
3. Padding, primary (with hydrogel) or secondary (wet-to-dry)
   **cut to size and change daily as primary dressing

Question 2

Gauze Cautions

Answer 2

1. Drying
2. Can absorb topicals quickly
3. Fibers can get stuck in the wound
4. Roll gauze applied at an angle

Question 3

Impregnated Gauze Indications

Answer 3

1. Atraumatic removal (“contact layer”)
2. Multiple sizes, cut to fit
3. Mild occlusiveness, promotes moist wound healing
4. Less permeable than “regular” gauze (fluid held underneath)
5. Can be combined with topicals
6. Can be primary or secondary (requires coverage to keep from drying out)
7. Deep wounds, including named structures

Question 4

Impregnated Gauze Cautions

Answer 4

1. Maceration
2. Adherent if allowed to dry

Question 5

Semipermeable Film Indications

Answer 5

1. Thin, flexible, multiple sizes, cut to size
2. Transparent, occlusive (promotes autolytic debridement since water vapor and gases can still be easily exchanged)
3. Barrier to outside world, can stay in place up to 7 days
4. Little absorption if used alone, can be combined with other dressings
5. Primary or secondary dressing
6. Usually for more superficial wounds (needs a primary dressing for deeper wounds)
7. Comfy, adherent to peri-wound skin

Question 6

Semipermeable Film Cautions

Answer 6

1. Limit wrinkles
2. Apply without tension
3. Difficult to apply
4. Specific removal technique (can damage skin with removal)
5. Poor choice for skin tears

Question 7

Hydrogels Indications

Answer 7

1. Donate moisture (can absorb small amounts of drainage, decrease pain, promote autolytic debridement)
2. Gel & sheet forms
3. Can be combined with other dressings (silver powder, regular gauze, saline)
4. Requires secondary dressing

Question 8

Hydrogels Cautions

Answer 8

1. Maceration
2. Sheets not used on infected wounds

Question 9

Foam Indications

Answer 9

1. Absorptive- can be used with thicker topicals/ointments
2. Flexible, variety of sizes, cut to size
3. Non-adherent, thick & thin
4. Primary or secondary dressing (padding, additional absorption)
5. Insulating (promotes autolytic debridement)
6. Can be left in place for 7 days max.

Question 10

Foam Cautions

Answer 10

1. Maceration
2. Can roll with friction

Question 11

Hydrocolloid Indications

Answer 11

1. Highly occlusive- promotes autolytic debridement (best!)
2. Highly adhesive
3. Sheets: various sizes, cut to fit, thick and thin
4. Paste: can be used for deeper wounds
5. Primary or secondary dressing

Question 12

Hydrocolloid Cautions

Answer 12

1. Maceration
2. Skin damage with removal
3. Sheet forms not for deep wounds
4. Paste/particles expand in deeper wounds
5. Edges can roll with friction