Topical Wound Treatments

Composite Dressings

1. What type of dressing is most appropriate for a patient with a dry wound?

a. specialty absorptive dressing

b. amorphous hydrogel dressing

c. alginate dressing

d. foam dressing

ANSWER: b. A dry wound needs moisture added to promote wound healing, so an amorphous hydrogel dressing should be used.

2. Which type of dressing is most absorbent?

a. hydrocolloid

b. foam

c. composite

d. alginate

ANSWER: d. All of these products have some absorptive capacity. However, alginates are the most absorbent option.

3. What is the advantage of a debriding agent containing chlorophyll?

a. It can manage heavy exudate.

b. It controls bleeding.

c. It controls odor.

d. It speeds up wound closure.

ANSWER: c. Chlorophyll helps to reduce unpleasant odors. Be aware that drainage may turn green and should not be misinterpreted as a sign of infection.

4. An unpleasant odor may be detected when removing

a. an alginate dressing,

b. a hydrocolloid dressing,

c. a composite dressing,

d. a foam dressing.

ANSWER: b. Hydrocolloid dressings absorb drainage and turn to gel. This gel can have an unpleasant odor when exposed during dressing changes.

Composite Dressings, Absorbers, Dressings, Silicone Gel Sheeting, Cleansers.