Managing Large Open Wounds

Using a framework of clinical cases, this webinar will focus on management of the contaminated, compromised wound and the steps we can take to get it well on the road to healing. Topics will include assessment of tissue viability, how to decide what to debride and what to leave in place, proper lavage technique, replacement of wet-to-dry-dressings (no longer the standard of care) with interactive moisture retentive dressings (e.g., calcium alginate, hydrophilic foam, hydrocolloid, hydrogel), and the role of topical agents (e.g., honey, electrolyzed saline, silver and zinc products)

• • Identify characteristics that indicate whether a given piece of tissue is viable or not
• • Make informed decisions about what to debride and what to leave behind in a wound
• • Perform efficient and effective wound lavage
• • Appropriately select and apply moisture retentive dressings
• • Understand indications and contraindications for common topical agents