Wound Care

130 Nurse to Nurse
• Treatment for 7 to 14 days; then discontinue to avoid skin
side effects.
• Newer silver dressings may also have a role in topical
management of venous ulcers in the presence of local
infection.
• Newer biological dressings such as skin replacement may also
have a role in topical management. These dressings often
(except OASIS Healthpoint) may require application by a
physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner.
Nursing Tip
AVOID occlusive dressings and wraps if cellulitis is
present. Alleviate this condition first with oral or
intravenous antibiotics.
INTERNET RESOURCES
The following websites provide patient and health-care
provider information, graphics, and handouts.
• New York University Medical Center and School of
Medicine website has English and Spanish language patient
education materials, health-care provider information.
—http://www.med.nyu.edu/patientcare/library/article.html?
ChunkIID=22580
• Adventist Health Care website has patient and healthcare
provider information.
—http://www.adventisthealthcare.com/AHC/health/library/
Health_Illustrated_Encyclopedia/1/1_000203.aspx
REFERENCES
1. Lopez AP, et al. Venous Ulcers. Wounds. 1998;10(5):149.
2. Reichardt LE. Venous Ulceration:compression as the mainstay
of therapy. JWOCN. 1999;26(1):39.