Clinical Practice 2: Wound Care Theory

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of non-occlusive dressings?

To protect the patient's clothing

To increase drug absorption

To apply pressure to the wound

To facilitate healing and allow air to reach the wound (correct)

What is the purpose of wet-to-dry dressings?

To protect the patient's clothing

To cleanse and debride thickened or crusted lesions (correct)

To promote wound moisture

To apply pressure to the wound

What is a characteristic of venous ulcers?

Well-defined borders and irregular shape (correct)

Round shape and irregular borders

Location on the upper extremities

Symptoms of fever and chills

What is a common symptom of venous ulcers?

Limb heaviness Signup and view all the answers

What is a sign of venous ulcers that a healthcare professional may look for during physical examination?

Varicose veins Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of gauze dressings?

To maximally allow air to reach the wound Signup and view all the answers

What is a common location of venous ulcers?

Over bony prominences Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of using non-occlusive dressings?

Facilitating healing and allowing air to reach the wound Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for abnormally dilated veins around the ankle and foot?

Corona phlebectatica Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of poor perfusion to the lower extremities?

Tissue necrosis and ulceration Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for atrophic white scarring?

Atrophie blanche Signup and view all the answers

What is the main cause of arterial ulcers?

Poor perfusion Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a narrowing of the artery or damage to the small blood vessels in the extremities?

Ischemia Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of minor scrapes or cuts failing to heal in arterial ulcers?

Development of ulcers Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a characteristic of venous ulcers that resembles an inverted champagne bottle?

Inverted champagne-bottle deformity Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the arteries in the body?

Carrying nutrient- and oxygen-rich blood to the tissues Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of Arterial Ulcers?

Wound base that lacks granulation tissue Signup and view all the answers

Where do Arterial Ulcers tend to occur?

Over the distal part of the leg Signup and view all the answers

What is often observed in the affected limb in Arterial Ulcers?

It feels cool or cold to the touch Signup and view all the answers

What is the skin appearance like in Arterial Ulcers?

Shiny, thin, dry, and taut Signup and view all the answers

What is a common way to get temporary relief from the pain of Arterial Ulcers?

Dangling the affected leg over the edge of the bed Signup and view all the answers

What is a tool used in the vascular assessment of Arterial Ulcers?

Doppler Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the pain associated with Arterial Ulcers?

It is painful, especially during exercise, at rest, or during the night Signup and view all the answers

What is a test used in the vascular assessment of Arterial Ulcers?

Buergers elevation test Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Wound Dressings

Protect open lesions, facilitate healing, increase drug absorption, and protect the patient's clothing.
Non-occlusive dressings, such as gauze dressings, allow air to reach the wound and help it dry.
Wet-to-dry dressings are non-occlusive dressings that are wet with a solution (usually saline) to help cleanse and debride thickened or crusted lesions.

Types of Wounds

Venous Ulcers

Typically have an irregular shape and well-defined borders.
Located over bony prominences, such as the gaiter area.
Symptoms include limb heaviness, pruritus, pain, and edema that worsens throughout the day and improves with elevation.
Physical examination signs include varicose veins, edema, venous dermatitis, telangiectasias, and corona phlebectatica (abnormally dilated veins around the ankle and foot).
Additional signs include haemaciderin deposits, atrophie blanche (atrophic white scarring), lipodermatosclerosis, and inverted champagne-bottle deformity of the lower leg.

Arterial Ulcers (Ischaemic Ulcers)

Caused by poor perfusion (delivery of nutrient-rich blood) to the lower extremities.
Characterized by a lack of blood supply, leading to tissue necrosis and/or ulceration.
Tend to have a "punched-out" appearance, with small, round, and smooth, well-demarcated borders.
Wound base is typically pale and lacks granulation tissue.
Wet or dry gangrene may be present.
Often occur over the distal part of the leg, especially the lateral malleoli, dorsum of the feet, and the toes.
Can be shallow or deep and are frequently painful.
Physical examination signs include:
- Limb feels cool or cold to the touch.
- Extremity has little to no distinguishable pulse.
- Skin and nails on the extremity appear atrophic.
- Hair loss on the affected extremity.
- Skin is shiny, thin, dry, and taut in appearance.
- Extremity may turn red when dangled and pale when elevated.
- Delayed capillary return in the affected extremity.
Vascular assessment techniques include Doppler and Buergers elevation test.
These ulcers are generally very painful, especially during exercise, at rest, or during the night, and dangling the affected legs over the edge of bed may provide temporary relief.

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Description

This quiz covers the basics of wound care, including the role of wound dressings in protecting open lesions, facilitating healing, and increasing drug absorption.