Wound lab

• MEASURE: measure, exudate, appearance of wound bed, suffering, undermining, reevaluate, edges and surrounding skin
• Exudate can be serous, purulent, serosanguineous or sanguineous. It is also characterized by the amount (small, moderate or large) and smell
• Non adherent dressing

  • minimal absorption
  • use on minor wound or skin tear
  • allows drainage to seep through pores to secondary dressing
• Acrylic clear dressing

  • used on superficial wound with light drainage
  • requires less frequent dressing change
  • not used on deep or infected wounds
• Transparent film

  • semipermeable membrane allows gas exchange between wound and environment
  • used for dry and noninfected wounds or stage 1 pressure injuries
  • creates an occlusive barrier against infection and water
  • minimal absorption
  • prevent friction and shear
• Foam

  • absorb moderate to heavy amount of exudate
  • used on partial or full thickness wounds, can be infected wounds
  • can be non-adhesive or adhesive
  • occlusive foam should not be used for heavy drainage or infected wounds
• Hydrocolloid dressing

  • occlusive barrier which protects from outside contamination
  • supports debridement (removal of dead tissue)
  • used for superficial wounds with moderate dressing
  • not used for infected or deep wounds
  • strong adhesive, not for fragile skin
  • strong odour when dressing is changed
• Hypertonic dressing has a sheet, ribbon or gel impregnated with sodium chloride concentrate. Cannot be used on dry wounds because could be painful
• Hydrogel dressing

  • facilitate debridement of necrotic tissue
  • used on partial or full thickness wounds with minimal drainage
  • maintains moistness
  • limited absorption of exudate
  • secondary dressing is required
• Wound culture is done when purulent or suspicious drainage is detected or when signs and symptoms of infection are present
• Signs and symptoms of infection are pain, edema, erythema, unhealing wound, fever, new necrosis or hypergranulation tissue
• Swabbing is the most common way of getting a wound culture. First clean the wound and make sure you do not collect exudate or dry crust. Swab the healthiest tisse and undermining areas if present