Wet to dry dress. over staples??

[HyperRNRachel]

I read an order the other day that indicated the MD wanted a wet to dry dressing over staples on a 6 day post-op site. The MD that wrote the order was on call for the original MD. I do not think he actually assessed the site, it was a colostomy reversal and I am left to wonder if he thought the site was open. The entire wound was closed with no indication of recent drainage; there was a small amount of dried blood. Wouldn't a wet to dry dressing on this type of wound cause serious skin break down? I went in and cleaned the site and applied an ABD pad, but now I am wondering if I could get into some trouble for not following the MD order.

[TazziRN, RN]

You should have called the MD to verify the order. Most likely he goofed, but there is a small chance he had a reason for ordering that kind of dressing.

[CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN]

A wet to dry is used for debreidment. A wet to wet or wet to moiste is used to keep the area moiste and to fill in the wound cavity.

Doc probably goofed. I would have called to clarify it.

[CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN]

A wet to dry is used for mechanical debreidment ( decubs) . A wet to wet or wet to moiste is used to keep the area moiste and to fill in the wound cavity.

Doc probably goofed. I would have called to clarify it.

[MS._Jen_RN, ASN, RN]

If you're not sure, call to clarify- always. It sounds weird to me. I would have called.

~Jen

[chadash]

I think I have seen wet to dry typically for open wounds like decubitus ulcers or if there is some necrosis. It works like a wick. Would there be any reason he would want to draw secretions from the wound or something?

Call and double check what he intended.

[HyperRNRachel]

I got the order late in the day. Although I called to clarify the order, I left the floor before he returned my call.

I am a new nurse and I am reflecting on the last couple of days that I worked. I feel the need to get the answers to my questions, or else they will get tucked in the back of my mind and possibly lost forever!

Thanks for the advice. Now I am trying to remember if I documented the phone call to the MD. I do remember passing the information on in report. I need to get better at playing the "cover you a**" game.

Thanks for the replies.

Rachel RN