Policy based on Evidence Based practice needed!

[cmo421]

Help please. Looking for a policy or evidence base practice on post op high thigh wounds. Like after open heart, thigh is donor site for graph. Prone to infection to to proximetry to perineal area.

Does anyone have a policy they use or an idea where I can see the evidence based practice of this or similar wounds?

We have a high incidence lately of graph sit wounds on the upper thigh. Looking for a better policy for the unit.

Thanks in advance for all your help!

Christine

[RN1989]

Have never worked for a hospital that had a specific policy for this.

Usually the CV surgeons have their own orders for their incisions. Usually goes something like this: dressings remain on till POD 1 or sometimes 2. Then remove and clean with NS. Paint with betadine. If still oozing, replace drsg and change QDay and PRN. If not oozing, ok to leave drsg off. Pt may not shower until incision is no longer oozing. Incision to be painted daily with betadine after shower/bathing until pt is dc'd home.

[cmo421]

Have never worked for a hospital that had a specific policy for this.

Usually the CV surgeons have their own orders for their incisions. Usually goes something like this: dressings remain on till POD 1 or sometimes 2. Then remove and clean with NS. Paint with betadine. If still oozing, replace drsg and change QDay and PRN. If not oozing, ok to leave drsg off. Pt may not shower until incision is no longer oozing. Incision to be painted daily with betadine after shower/bathing until pt is dc'd home.

Well I have never seen one either, but we need one. Betadine is really, really outdated now also. Unless we let it totally air dry, it is useless and also it inhibits new tissue healing. This is fairly new in the literature,but going into practice over the last year. It is just getting the betadine off the units. It's been a standard for so long,it is hard. Thanks for replying!