Wound Treatment Options (Chapter 9)

Question 1

Why is a moist environment important for wound healing?

Answer 1

Epithelial cells require moisture to migrate from the wound edges to re-epithelialize or resurface the wound.

Question 2

What is the mechanism of action that makes gauze dressings (wet to dry) a bad choice for wound healing?

Answer 2

It acts as an osmotic dressing:

1. as water evaporates it becomes hypertonic
2. this draws wound fluid into the gauze including proteins and blood which forms an impermeable layer
3. the net result is that the dressing dries out which can cause re-injury to the wound and pain upon removal.

Question 3

Are gauze dressings a good barrier to bacteria (explain)?

Answer 3

No. Infection rates are shown to be higher with the use of gauze compared with transparent film or hydrocolloids.

Question 4

What does the principles of care acronym ‘MEASURES’ stand for?

Answer 4

Minimize trauma to wound bed
Eliminate dead space
Assess and manage the amount of exudates
Support the body’s tissue defense system
Use non-toxic wound cleansers
Remove infection, debris and necrotic tissue
Environmental maintenance (thermal, moisture)
Surrounding tissue protection from injury and bactria

Question 5

What is the difference between and primary and secondary dressing?

Answer 5

Primary dressings come in contact with the wound bed. Secondary dressings are those that cover a primary dressing or secure it in place.

Question 6

What are the 3 main categories of primary dressings?

Answer 6

1. moisture maintaining
2. moisture absorbing
3. moisture providing
   (MAP: maintaining, absorbing, providing)

Question 7

What acronym is used for dressing decision making and what do the letters stand for?

Answer 7

NICE:
Necrotic tissue
Infection
Characteristics
Exudate