Wound Dressings Flashcards
What is foam made from
hydrophilic polyurethane foam
What are the functions of foam?
- Protect pressure from pressure ulcer
- absorbs and protects
What specific type of wound would you use foam for?
Venous leg ulcer
how much drainage can foam handle?
heavy
T/F foam can be used for packing deep cavity wounds?
TRUE
how often should you change foam dressings?
every 2-7 days
When would you use thin foams for?
skin tears, stage II ulcer or a wound that is epithelizing
What are Alginates made from?
soft non-woven fibers derived from brown seaweed
What are hydrofibers made from
non-woven pad or ribbon dressing composed of hyrocolloid fibers (sodium carboxymethylcellulose)
how much drainage can alginates/hydrofibers handle?
moderate to heavy drainage
T/F alginates/hydrofibers can help stop bleeding
Partially true… alginates stop the bleeding
what thickness of wounds are alginates/hydrofibers best for?
Partial thickness and full thickness wounds
T/F alginates/hydrofibers do not need cover dressings
FALSE you do need cover dressings
how often do you change alginates/hydrofibers?
2-3x/week
how do alginates/hydrofibers work?
Absorb drainage and convert to a hydrophilic gel
can you presoak alginates/hydrofibers? and how does it work
yes, can soak to bring moisture into the wound soak the dry wound as the body absorbs the dressing starts to dry back up and moisturize the tissue
What is Hydrocolloid dressing?
Occlusive adhesive dressing
How does Hydrocolloid dressing work?
Form a gel like covering to protect the wound
how much drainage can Hydrocolloids handle?
light to moderate drainage
how often do you change Hydrocolloid dressings?
3-5 days
T/F Hydrocolloid’s have an odor when it is removed
TRUE, have to clean the wound before assessing it for odor
T/F hydrocolloids can work as friction protection
TRUE
What is the mechanism of hydrogels?
preloaded with moisture to maintain moist wound environment
how much drainage can hydrogels handle?
minimal drainage
What type of wounds can you use hydrogels with?
- Re-epithelizing partial thickness wound
- Abrasions, minor burns and other minor wound
T/F hydrogels need cover dressings
TRUE
how much drainage can transparent films handle?
minimal drainage
What is the function of transparent films
maintain moist wound environment
what depth of wounds should you use transparent films for?
superficial wounds
What is another function of transparent films
shear protection (elbows, heels, flat surface)
how do transparent films work?
water proof, but allow for transfer of O2 and water vapor
How do antimicrobial dressings work?
Provide antimicrobial barrier to the wound
what type of wounds do you use antimicrobial dressing for?
For all types of ulcers/wounds
What characteristics cause the antimicrobial-ness (some examples)
Iodine, Silver, Gold, honey
What does antimicrobial dressings control
bioburden
What are 5 things that you can use to Fill a deep and wet wound?
- Calcium alginate
- Hydrofiber dressing
- Cavity foam
- Specialty gauze
- NPWT (negative pressure wound therapy)
What are 3 things you can use to Cover and deep and wet wound?
- Gauze
- ABD (Army battle dressing)
- Foams
What are 3 things that you can use to Fill a deep and dry wound?
- Calcium alginate (moistened)
- Hydrofiber (moistened)
- Wound gels
What are 4 things you can use to Cover and deep and dry wound?
- Gauze, ABD, etc.
- Non-adherent (telfa)
- Thin foams
- Transparent film dressing
What are 4 things that you can use to Fill a shallow and wet wound?
- Foam
- Calcium alginate
- Hydrofiber
- Absorptive gels
What are 3 things you can use to Cover and shallow and wet wound?
- Gauze
- ABD
- Foams
What are 4 things that you can use to Fill a shallow and dry wound?
- Hydrogels
- Hydrocolloids
- Thin foams
- Non-adherent dressing
What are 4 things you can use to Cover and shallow and dry wound?
- Hydrogels
- Hydrocolloids
- Thin foams
- Non-adherent dressing
what 2 types of wounds do you need to support autolysis of necrotic tissue?
Deep and wet, and shallow and wet
Name the best uses for Foams (5)
Heavily draining wounds Deep cavity wounds as packing Venous Leg ulcers Padding for foot ulcers Can be used for friction protection
What are the best uses for alginates/hydrofibers (5)?
Partial thickness and full thickness wounds
Wounds with moderate to heavy drainage
Can be used with dressing moistened or dry
Needs to have a cover dressing
Allow for less frequency of dressing changes
What are the best uses for Hydrocolloid Dressings (4)?
Dressing of granulating and epithelializing partial thickness wounds
Wounds with low to moderate drainage
Can work as friction protection
Not a daily dressing (3-5 days)
What are the best uses for hydrogels (3)?
Re-epithializing partial thickness wounds
Abrasions, minor burns and other minor wounds
Gels need cover dressing
What are the best uses for transparent films (4)?
Superficial wounds
Wounds with minimal drainage
Protection for elbow, heels, flat surfaces
Covering blisters
What are the best uses for antimicrobial dressings (2)?
For all types of ulcers/wounds
Provide antimicrobial barrier for patients at risk
What are the 5 goals when it comes to picking a dressing for Deep and Wet wound?
Fill dead space Absorb exudate Maintain Moist Environment Support autolysis of necrotic tissue Protect and insulate
What are the goals for dressing selection of a deep and dry wound (3)?
Fill dead space
Maintain moist environment
Protect and insulate
What are the goals for dressing selection of a shallow and wet wound (5)?
Absorb Exudate Maintain moist environment Support autolysis of necrotic tissue Protect and insulate Protect surrounding skin (need an absorptive cover)
What are the goals to picking a dressing for a shallow and dry wound (2)?
Maintain and create moist surface
Protect and insulate
