Wounds, Chapter 15 P91-93

Question 1

Define the following terms:
1. Primary wound closure
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Answer 1

Suture wound closes immediately (a.k.a. “first intention”)

Question 2

2. Secondary wound closure

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Answer 2

Wound is left open and heals over time without sutures (a.k.a. “secondary intention”); it heals by granulation, contraction, and epithelialization over weeks
(leaves a larger scar)

Question 3

3. Delayed primary closure (DPC)

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Answer 3

Suture wound closes 3 to 5 days AFTER incision

classically 5 days

Question 4

How long until a sutured wound epithelializes?

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Answer 4

24–48 hours

Question 5

After a primary closure, when should the dressing be removed?
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Answer 5

POD #2

Question 6

When can a patient take a shower after a primary closure?

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Answer 6

Anytime after POD #2 (after wound epithelializes)

Question 7

What is a wet-to-dry dressing?

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Answer 7

Damp (not wet) gauze dressing placed over a granulating wound and then allowed to dry to the wound; removal
allows for “microdébridement” of the wound

Question 8

What inhibits wound healing?

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Answer 8

Infection, ischemia, diabetes mellitus, malnutrition, anemia, steroids, cancer, radiation, smoking

Question 9

What reverses the deleterious effects of steroids on wound
healing?
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Answer 9

Vitamin A

Question 10

What is an abdominal wound dehiscence?

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Answer 10

Opening of the fascial closure (not skin); treat by returning to the O.R. for immediate fascial reclosure

Question 11

What is Dakin solution?

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Answer 11

Dilute sodium hypochlorite (bleach) used in contaminated wounds