How many people hear the orders "wet to dry dressing" and cringe? How do you respond?

Please take a moment to share with the group.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Dee Ann Berg LVN on July 22, 2011 at 3:34pm

Sorry... I thought the article came from Jackie Mcculloch RN 18 hours ago, I misread the sender. I see that you agree with me...

My apologies...again...

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Permalink Reply by WoundTalk on July 22, 2011 at 4:25pm

No problem, I should have been clearer in my post.

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Permalink Reply by Kimberly Davis, LVN on August 25, 2011 at 10:58am

I usually do the dressing for a few days per the doctors orders and then call to recommend something more suitable for the wound. I have had experiences where if the wound isn't too bad the "wet-to;dry" finishes up the healing just fine. But if I don't see any change within 3-5 days, I will usually call the doc to change the order.

If I get the order and it just looks like it is not going to work, I will call the doc right away. What makes me cringe is when I get a wound that probably needs a wound vac, and I get a "wet-to-dry" on it. Some surgeons are so "dead-set," but are usually receptive to wound vacs.

The best words I have found to get docs turned around in situations like this are "Hey doc, our wound care consultant recommended, _______can I give _____a try," All they can say is "No." But educating these docs on new and exciting wound care options, if possible, makes a world of difference. But it depends on the doc and how receptive they are.

Kim

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Permalink Reply by Dorothy Jean Steigerwald on August 26, 2011 at 4:10pm

Kim

I liked your response by stating your wound care consultant "recommends" a certain treatment instead of wet to dry. I also have seen wounds heal with wet to dry dressings, but I still feel there are too many other options in wound care to pick from, that have far better results/less discomfort/less wound bed damage. I am for using the better options and am sure your "wound care consultant " would agree.

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Permalink Reply by Kimberly Davis, LVN on August 26, 2011 at 4:33pm

Thanks Dorothy! Docs are busy and don't always have time to research new wound care. We as the practitioners of wound care hear about the latest from our wound consultants and then advocate to have new treatements put into practice by our docs. We are the advocates for wound patients and, in a sense, teach the docs wound care. At times, we have to handle this one with "kid gloves." And yes, the words wound care consultant tends to generate more respect from doctors. Even if I am not certified, I keep one within arms reach at all times!