CLINICAL PROBLEM: A 68 year-old male presented to the emergency department in acute respiratory distress, was intubated and admitted to intensive care unit. Diagnosis: acute respiratory illness, acute renal failure and infected necrotic, foul smelling right lower leg wound.

PAST MANAGEMENT: Unknown when admitted.

CLINICAL HISTORY: Selection of a wound care product that would minimize dressing changes while debriding the wound was the goal for the intensive care nurses.

MANAGEMENT: Cadexomer iodine dressings were placed on the patient's wounds. Highly absorbent secondary dressing and roll gauze were then applied. Dressings were changed daily.

PATIENT OUTCOMES: Within 2 days exudate and odor decreased. The staff was able to reduce the dressing change frequency to every other day, and then to every third day. Wound care was provided with minimal disruption to the patient and enhanced intensive care staff ability to care for patient.

CONCLUSION: As part of the care for this patient, cadexomer iodine dressing supported an environment conducive to healing. The dressings effectively managed the bacterial burden and slough in this patient's leg wounds, resulting in reduced exudate and odor. The decreased dressing change frequency impacted ICU staff's ability to care for the patient.