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gauze
Characteristics:
1) linen fiber dressing
2) some are woven, others are not
Indications:
1) wounds with minimal to heavy exudate
2) partial or full-thickness wounds
3) granular or necrotic wounds
4) pressure ulcers
5) venous ulcers
6) diabetic ulcers
7) arterial ulcers
8) may be used on infected wounds
9) use over topical antibiotics, growth factors or enzymes
Contraindications: none
Advantages:
1) readily available
2) easy for caregiver to use
3) ribbon gauze packs deep tunnels
4) facilitates mechanical debridement
Disadvantages:
1) non-selective debridement - will harm healthy tissue
2) readily dries out wound
3) must be kept continually moist with saline to provied moist healing
4) usually requires multiple dressing changes/day
5) cotton fibers left in wound may cause prolonged inflammation & may interfere with wound healing
Notes:
Helpful hints:
1) avoid use of wet-to-dry dressings if possible because of pain & tissue damage upon removal
2) for continuously moist dressing, remove secondary dressing & reapply saline to packing every 4-6 hours
3) use ribbon gaze for packing deep sinus tracts
4) pack wounds lightly to prevent pressure on tissue
Products: numerous
Specific
wet to dry dressing
General
wound dressing