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Wound Care: Dressing Selection Guide

The document provides guidelines for wound care and dressing changes, focusing on appropriate dressing choices for different types of wounds, such as stage 3 pressure injuries. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining sterility during dressing changes and outlines necessary assessment actions for chronic wounds. Key takeaways include the use of alginate dressings for heavy drainage, the need to discard contaminated sterile fields, and the proper cleansing methods for wounds.

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12 views2 pages

Wound Care: Dressing Selection Guide

The document provides guidelines for wound care and dressing changes, focusing on appropriate dressing choices for different types of wounds, such as stage 3 pressure injuries. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining sterility during dressing changes and outlines necessary assessment actions for chronic wounds. Key takeaways include the use of alginate dressings for heavy drainage, the need to discard contaminated sterile fields, and the proper cleansing methods for wounds.

Uploaded by

azizbaby940
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Section 2: Wound Care & Dressing Changes (≈3 Questions)

Question 4 (MCQ)
A client has a stage 3 pressure injury with moderate serosanguinous drainage. Which dressing is most
appropriate?
A. Transparent film dressing.
B. Hydrocolloid dressing.
C. Alginate dressing.
D. Dry gauze dressing.

Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Alginate dressings are highly absorbent and suitable for moderate to heavy exudate, as seen
in stage 3 pressure injuries. Transparent films are for minimal exudate, hydrocolloids for light to
moderate exudate, and dry gauze is inappropriate for moist wound healing principles.
Common Error: Students may choose hydrocolloid (B) but underestimate the drainage volume. Always
match dressing to exudate level.
Mnemonic: Alginate for Absorbing heavy drainage.

Question 5 (MCQ)
When performing a sterile dressing change, the PN accidentally touches the sterile field with their glove.
What should the PN do next?
A. Continue the procedure but avoid touching the wound directly.
B. Replace the contaminated glove and continue.
C. Stop, discard the contaminated field, and set up a new sterile field.
D. Apply an antiseptic solution to the contaminated area.

Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Touching the sterile field compromises sterility, risking infection. The PN must discard the
contaminated field and set up a new one. Continuing (A) or replacing only the glove (B) doesn’t address
the contaminated field. Antiseptic (D) is not appropriate for a sterile field.
Common Error: Students may choose B, thinking a new glove restores sterility, but the entire field is
compromised.
Test-Taking Tip: Sterility questions often test your understanding of “all or nothing” principles—any
breach requires a full reset.

Question 6 (Multiple-Answer)
Which actions should the PN take when assessing a chronic wound? (Select all that apply.)
A. Measure wound dimensions (length, width, depth).
B. Document the presence of undermining or tunneling.
C. Cleanse the wound with povidone-iodine.
D. Assess for signs of infection (e.g., erythema, warmth).
E. Apply a dressing without assessing exudate type.
Correct Answers: A, B, D
Rationale:

 A, B, D: Correct. Comprehensive wound assessment includes measuring dimensions, checking


for undermining/tunneling, and evaluating infection signs.

 C: Incorrect. Povidone-iodine is cytotoxic to healing tissue; normal saline is preferred for


cleansing.

 E: Incorrect. Exudate type guides dressing choice; skipping this risks inappropriate care.
Common Error: Students may select C due to familiarity with antiseptics, but saline is the
standard for chronic wounds.
Mnemonic: WOUND—Width, Odor, Undermining, Notes on infection, Depth.

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