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Case Study
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Use of a transparent absorbent acrylic dressing* on stage II and III pressure ulcers Marie Brown-Etris, RN, CWOCN, Marian Punchello, LPN, Theresa OÕConnor, RN, BSN, CWOCN, Etris Associates, Inc., Philadelphia, PA Absorbent dressings typically require removal to make wound observations. Frequent dressing changes can disrupt the wound, damage surrounding tissues, cause unnecessary discomfort to the patient, decrease clinician productivity, and add to the overall cost of treatment. A new transparent absorbent acrylic dressing (TAAD) has recently been developed which allows wound observation without removal of the dressing. Two case studies are presented demonstrating utility of this new dressing in the management of Stage II and III pressure ulcers (PU). CASE STUDY #1: A 40-year old man presented with a 1-month history of a Stage II PU on his heel. Other significant medical problems included paraplegia, non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, hypertension, neuropathy and anemia. Initial ulcer size was 8.08 cm2 with moderate amounts of serous drainage. Wound closure occurred in four weeks after treatment with the new dressing. CASE STUDY #2: A 74-year old man presented with a 3-month history of a Stage III PU on his malleolus. Other significant medical problems included CVA, dysphagia, hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, and dementia. Initial ulcer size was 1.03 cm2 and there were small amounts of serosanguineous drainage. Wound closure occurred in eight weeks after treatment with the new dressing. In both cases, wound observation through the dressing was possible throughout the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: The new TAAD performed well on these Stage II and III PU. The dressing was highly conformable and adhered well. Transparency of the dressing allowed for inspection of the wound without removal of the dressing * 3Mª Tegadermª Absorbent Clear Acrylic Dressing |
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