Wound Assessment
This is the first step in the decision tree for managing any wound.
What is initial wound assessment
This type of dressing is commonly used for superficial wounds with no exudate.
What is a transparent adhesive dressing
This type of debridement uses the body's own processes to remove necrotic tissue, often aided by dressings like hydrogel
What is autolytic debridement
A wound with shallow depth and no tunnels is classified as this.
What is a superficial wound
This is the first action to take if infection is suspected in a wound
What is assess for critical colonization or systemic involvement
This term describes a wound that extends deep into the tissue, forming tunnels or undermining.
What is a deep wound?
Hydrofiber or alginate dressings are recommended for wounds with this amount of exudate
What is moderate to large exudate
This method involves enzymes to break down necrotic tissue and is suitable for wounds with limited necrosis.
What is enzymatic debridement
For dry wounds with no exudate, this type of dressing is most appropriate.
What is hydrogel
For surface infections, these topical interventions are commonly used
What are antiseptics or antimicrobial dressings
Wounds with this characteristic are treated differently than those without, as they require special attention to absorb fluids.
What is exudate
These dressings are used for deep wounds with tunnels or undermining to maintain moisture and support healing.
What are hydrogel strips
This non-instrumental method uses maggots to clean wounds
What is larval therapy
These wounds require packing to ensure tunnels are adequately filled.
What are deep wounds with tunneling
Systemic infections often require this type of intervention beyond wound management
What is systemic antibiotic therapy
If this is suspected, you proceed to evaluate for signs of critical colonization or systemic involvement.
What is infection
For wounds with critical colonization, this type of dressing is often used.
What are antimicrobial dressings
This type of debridement is necessary for extensive necrotic tissue or large bone involvement.
What is surgical debridement
If a wound is both deep and has significant exudate, this type of primary dressing is commonly used.
What is hydrophilic foam
This term refers to bacteria or microbes at a level that delays healing but doesn't yet cause systemic infection.
What is critical colonization
These types of wounds require specific debridement and dressing strategies to manage necrotic tissue.
What are wounds with necrosis
For superficial wounds with exudate, this dressing is used to provide absorbency while maintaining wound bed protection
What is adhesive foam
Hydrotherapy at 8-15 psi is a form of this debridement method
What is mechanical debridement
Surface wounds with critical colonization require these two interventions
What are wound cleaning and antimicrobial dressing application
Along with antimicrobial dressings, this specific type of product can help manage invasive infections.
What is a sustained-release antimicrobial dressing (e.g., silver-based)