Foam - protects the wound, absorbs excess fluids from the wound surface maintaining a healthy moisture balance. Can also be used to protect intact skin over bony prominences or friction areas.Precautions - change as directed, requires secondary dressing to secure.

Nonadherent pads - indicated for wounds with light to moderate exudate skin tears areas with swelling superficial and partial-thickness wounds, lacerations, abrasions and burns, IV catheter sites.If not moistened gauze may adhere and traumatize the wound bed.Change gauze frequently but at least daily.Gauze - woven or non-woven, indicated for draining wounds necrotic wounds wounds with tunnels, tracts, or dead space surgical incisions burns dermal ulcers and pressure ulcers.Hydrate - manage evaporation, irrigate as needed.Systemic antibiotics are the first tier pharmacologic management for infected wounds. Topical antimicrobial treatment for infected wounds remains controvertial.Debride the wound: autolytic, enzmatic, larval, mechanical, sharp and surgical.Treat undermining, dead space, or wound tracts with debridement, packing or negative pressure.Protect wound bed and peri-wound (surrounding) tissue.Wound condition: necrotic, sloughy, or with granulation?.Wound characteristics: acute/chronic, wet/dry, large/small, malodorous, etc.Wound type: surgical, vascular, neuropathic, moisture-associate dermatitis, skin tear, pressure ulcer, etc.Untitled Document Wound Dressings & Treatment

Select essentials vol 158