Negative Pressure Wound Therapy

Body Systems › Wound Care › Negative Pressure Wound Therapy
Wounds Clinical reference

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy

NPWT (VAC therapy) applies sub-atmospheric pressure (-75 to -125 mmHg) to wounds to promote granulation, reduce edema, remove exudate, and bring wound edges together. Contraindicated with necrotic tissue, untreated infection, exposed vessels/nerves.

NPWT VAC therapy wound VAC negative pressure therapy KCI wound vac
Terms
0
ICD-10
0
Evidence
5
Trials
0
Latest evidence

Latest evidence

Common tests

Tests performed

Wound measurement before/after Granulation tissue assessment Exudate type and amount Peri-wound skin assessment Pain assessment (during dressing changes)
Common medications

Recognize the drug and the class

NPWT settings: -75 to -125 mmHg continuous or intermittent Foam dressing or gauze interface Dressing change every 48-72h (or per protocol) Pain management before dressing changes Silver foam (infected wounds)
Related nursing diagnoses

NANDA diagnoses & care plans

Use these direct links to open nursing diagnoses and care-plan support related to Negative Pressure Wound Therapy.

Impaired Tissue Integrity Acute Pain Risk for Infection Deficient Knowledge