Wound Dressing Changes

[brokenroads27]

How often do you change a dressing? I mean, besides when it's absolutely needed? Also, what about a wound drain? I know you empty it whenever it get's full enough but is there a Q8H standard if it doesn't fill quickly?

[peytonsmom]

It is my understanding that this should be addressed in the order. As in "wet to dry dressing change q4h or prn" etc etc. I don't think there is a standard as it depends on the pt's individual wound. First semester student here as well though so take it w/ a grain of salt.

[phoenixfire]

it depends on the wound type. For example, a surgical wound is changed for the first time usually by the surgeon, then he/she will order how often they want it changed, but usually prn. A decubitus may need to be changed only once daily, or once per shift. A few tidbits I've picked up about wound dressings: you should almost always premedicate the patient, especially if it is a large wound that requires manipulation of the surrounding tissues. Keep a sharpie handy (they have the little ones that attach to your badge at Wal-Mart), and put a date, time, and your initials on the dressing when you are done. If you just changed it a few hours ago, and you see drainage coming through, outline it with your sharpie so that you can best estimate how fast and how much it is draining. JP's are usually emptied at least once per shift, unless they need to be emptied more often, but keep track of how much and when you emptied it. You don't want to be the nurse (or tech) who cant tell the surgeon how much its drained during your shift! Hope this helps..