Wound Classification and Closure Methods

Questions and Answers

What is a superficial wound?

Extends through integumentary structures into deeper tissues

Involves epidermis and dermis but not through to subcutaneous layer

Extends through epidermis and dermis

Trauma to skin with epidermis intact (correct)

What characterizes a partial-thickness wound?

Involves only subcutaneous tissue

Limited to the epidermis

Involves epidermis and dermis (correct)

Extends through the full thickness of the skin

What is a full-thickness wound?

Involves outer layers but not full depth

Involves epidermis only

Extends through epidermis and dermis into subcutaneous tissue (correct)

Extends into bone, muscle, or tendon

What is a subcutaneous wound?

Extends through integumentary structures into bone, muscle, tendon. Signup and view all the answers

What is primary intention in wound healing?

Tissue is reapproximated and closed with sutures, staples, or adhesives Signup and view all the answers

What does secondary intention allow?

Wound healing to occur on its own without superficial closure Signup and view all the answers

What is tertiary intention?

Wound is left open to allow risk factors to resolve before closure Signup and view all the answers

What is sharp debridement?

Requires use of scalpel, scissors, and/or forceps to remove devitalized tissues. Signup and view all the answers

What is enzymatic debridement?

Using topical substances that break down dead tissue. Signup and view all the answers

What is autolytic debridement?

Using the body's own mechanisms to remove nonviable tissue. Signup and view all the answers

What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy indicated for?

Compromised flaps or grafts Signup and view all the answers

Silver on a dressing is an antimicrobial and good for use on infected wounds.

True Signup and view all the answers

How long should pressure garments be worn for healing of burns/scarring?

12-18 months for scar remodeling. Signup and view all the answers

What is an autograft?

From one's own body/donor site on your own body. Signup and view all the answers

What is allograft?

From another human (cadaver). Signup and view all the answers

What is heterograft or xenograft?

From another species (i.e. pigs). Signup and view all the answers

What are hydrofiber dressings used for?

Wounds with heavy exudate. Signup and view all the answers

Should hydrofiber dressings be used on dry wounds?

False Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Wound Classification

Superficial Wound: Trauma affects only the epidermis; often associated with sunburn.
Partial-thickness Wound: Involves the epidermis and dermis; examples include skin tears and blisters.
Full-thickness Wound: Extends through the epidermis and dermis into subcutaneous tissue.
Subcutaneous Wound: Extends beyond the integumentary structures into underlying bone, muscle, or tendons.

Types of Wound Closure

Primary Intention: Wound edges are reapproximated and closed using sutures, staples, or adhesives; commonly associated with surgical procedures.
Secondary Intention: Wound heals independently without closure; typically occurs with nonviable margins or infections.
Tertiary Intention: Wound is initially left open to resolve risk factors (e.g., edema or infection) before closure through primary intention.

Debridement Methods

Sharp Debridement: Involves surgical instruments to remove devitalized tissue or debris; effective for necrotic tissue, infections, or cellulitis; performed by physical therapists in most states.
Enzymatic Debridement: Utilizes topical agents for breaking down dead tissue.
Autolytic Debridement: Engages the body’s own mechanisms for tissue removal using moisture-retentive dressings; effective but slower healing, not for infected wounds.

Advanced Treatments

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: Involves inhalation of oxygen; indicated for conditions like osteomyelitis and diabetic wounds; contraindicated in certain health conditions such as cancer and pregnancy.

Wound Dressings

Alginates: Highly absorptive and moisture-retentive; ideal for partial or full-thickness wounds, especially infected ones, facilitating autolytic debridement.
Hydrocolloids: Retains moisture for healing; suitable for partial or full-thickness wounds, not recommended for infected wounds.
Hydrogels: Moisture-retentive, appropriate for superficial and partial-thickness wounds; not for heavily draining wounds.
Transparent Film: Breathable but water and bacteria-proof; intended for superficial or partial thickness wounds with minimal drainage; not for infected wounds.

Important Facts

Silver Dressings: Antimicrobial; effective on infected wounds like MRSA.
Pressure Garments: Essential for burn healing and scar remodeling; to be worn for 12-18 months post-injury.

Types of Grafts

Autograft: Tissue graft harvested from the same individual.
Allograft: Graft derived from another human (e.g., cadaver tissue).
Heterograft/Xenograft: Graft obtained from a different species (e.g., pig tissue).

Hydrofiber Dressings

Hydrofiber Dressing: Alginate-like dressings activated by moisture, suited for wounds with high exudate.
Usage Caution: Not appropriate for dry wounds.

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Description

This quiz covers the classification of wounds, including superficial, partial-thickness, full-thickness, and subcutaneous wounds. It also examines the methods of wound closure such as primary, secondary, and tertiary intention. Test your knowledge on wound care and debridement techniques.