Rationale: Polymeric membrane dressings often provide dramatic pain relief because their multiple components work together to inhibit the nociceptor activity both at the wound site and at the level of the spinal cord. The adhesive on polymeric membrane dressings is non-irritating and all of the components of the dressings are non-toxic. Silver polymeric membrane dressings have been tested and were found to be effective against representative wound pathogens. Silver polymeric membrane dressings were selected because of the poorly-controlled blood sugars.

Methodology: Upon cleansing the pressure ulcer, a bordered oval-shaped silver polymeric membrane dressing was applied. The client was asked to describe her pain immediately after the dressing was applied and after repositioning. She had a small amount of pain with repositioning, so she was reassessed. Pain subsided quickly.

Results: The following day the client was up, sitting straight in her wheelchair for the first time since she developed the wound. This was also the first time she could sit on the toilet without pain. The dressing remained intact.

Conclusion: It is critical that wound patients are assessed for quality of life concerns and that their treatments are chosen to address these concerns. Polymeric membrane dressings decreased this patient’s pain so much she was able to return to her normal activities. In addition, the adhesive was gentle to her sensitive skin.

*Shapes by PolyMem