wound assessment questions
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following assessments is not typically included as part of a comprehensive skin assessment?

  • Evaluation of bony prominences for pressure points
  • Assessment of the patient's dietary intake for nutritional deficiencies (correct)
  • Observation for blanchable and non-blanchable areas
  • Determination of skin integrity in areas exposed to adhesive tape or medical devices

A low score on the Braden Scale indicates what about a patient's risk for pressure ulcers?

  • The patient has a lower risk of developing pressure ulcers.
  • The Braden Scale score is unrelated to pressure ulcer risk.
  • The patient has a higher risk of developing pressure ulcers. (correct)
  • The patient only has a risk if they have impaired sensory perception.

Which of the following is the correct sequence of phases in wound healing?

  • Remodeling, proliferation, inflammation, hemostasis
  • Hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, remodeling (correct)
  • Proliferation, remodeling, hemostasis, inflammation
  • Inflammation, hemostasis, remodeling, proliferation

During the inflammatory phase of wound healing, which physiological change is not expected?

<p>Vasoconstriction to minimize blood loss (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the proliferative phase of wound healing, what is the primary process contributing to the filling of the wound bed?

<p>Granulation tissue formation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate goal of wound healing?

<p>Complete wound closure with intact skin (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'tunneling' in a wound assessment?

<p>Wound depth extending into deeper tissues in a narrow path (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When assessing a wound, which factor is least important to document?

<p>Patient's preferred method of wound cleaning (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What color is granulation tissue typically?

<p>Pink (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is slough composed of in a wound bed?

<p>Dead tissue (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it generally necessary to remove eschar from a wound?

<p>To allow for assessment of the wound bed and promote healing (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient's wound is producing a thick, yellow-green exudate. What type of exudate is this?

<p>Purulent (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of exudate would be expected from a surgical incision that is beginning to heal without complications?

<p>Serosanguineous (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of wound healing is characterized by wound edges that are closely approximated with minimal tissue loss?

<p>Primary intention (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A wound left open to heal, fills with granulation tissue is what type of healing?

<p>Secondary Intention (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In tertiary intention wound healing, why is there a delay in closing the wound?

<p>To observe for signs of infection and ensure contamination is resolved (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not considered a major complication of wound healing?

<p>Pruritus (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between dehiscence and evisceration?

<p>Evisceration involves protrusion of internal organs, while dehiscence is wound separation without organ protrusion. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does excessive fluid accumulation in a wound bed typically impact wound healing?

<p>It impairs healing by causing maceration and increasing infection risk. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a Jackson-Pratt (JP) drain?

<p>To remove excess fluid and promote wound closure (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does polypharmacy potentially affect wound healing?

<p>It can impair healing due to drug interactions or side effects. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a risk factor for pressure ulcer development?

<p>Increased mobility (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the key characteristic of a Stage 1 pressure ulcer?

<p>Intact skin with non-blanchable redness (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A pressure ulcer is characterized by partial-thickness skin loss with a shallow open ulceration, without slough or bruising. Which stage is this?

<p>Stage 2 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which stage of a pressure ulcer would you expect to see exposed bone, tendon, or muscle?

<p>Stage 4 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

An unstageable pressure ulcer is characterized by what feature?

<p>The base of the ulcer is covered with slough or eschar (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What visual characteristic is associated with a suspected deep tissue injury?

<p>Purple or maroon localized area of discolored intact skin or blood-filled blister (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a recommended strategy for preventing pressure ulcers?

<p>Limiting fluid intake to reduce moisture (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When a patient is in an upright position in a chair, what is generally the recommended maximum duration before repositioning to prevent pressure ulcers?

<p>2 hours (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

To minimize pressure on the sacrum and buttocks, how high should the head of the bed (HOB) be raised?

<p>30 degrees (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following nutrients is least important for wound healing?

<p>Vitamin D (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is hydrogen peroxide generally not recommended for cleaning wounds?

<p>It can damage healthy tissue and delay healing (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following vitamins is essential for collagen synthesis during wound healing?

<p>Vitamin C (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the rationale for offering pain medication before debridement?

<p>To minimize discomfort during the procedure (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of debridement relies on the body's own enzymes to break down necrotic tissue?

<p>Autolytic debridement (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Maggot therapy is an example of which type of debridement?

<p>Mechanical debridement (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What key information should be included when documenting a wound assessment?

<p>Dimensions, edge characteristics, and presence of inflammation or exudate (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When irrigating a wound, in which direction should the solution flow?

<p>From the least contaminated area to the most contaminated area (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) therapy?

<p>To promote wound healing by removing fluid and debris and increasing blood flow (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When is wound packing typically indicated?

<p>For deep wounds with tunneling or undermining (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What size syringe is generally used for wound irrigation?

<p>35 mL (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The application of heat to open wounds can provide what therapeutic effect?

<p>Vasodilation to promote healing (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When conducting a comprehensive skin assessment, why is it crucial to assess areas with adhesive tape or devices?

<p>Adhesive materials can cause friction and pressure, potentially leading to skin breakdown. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient with limited mobility and poor nutritional intake has a Braden Scale score of 12. How should this score guide nursing interventions?

<p>Suggests a moderate risk; implement a targeted prevention plan. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During the inflammatory phase of wound healing, how does the body's response contribute to the overall healing process?

<p>It introduces specialized cells to combat infection and clear debris. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the proliferative phase of wound healing, how do new blood vessels contribute to the tissue repair?

<p>They deliver oxygen and nutrients necessary for building new tissue. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the maturation phase of wound healing, what changes occur in the newly formed skin to increase its strength and flexibility?

<p>Collagen fibers reorganize and strengthen, increasing tensile strength. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is an accurate assessment of wound depth crucial when documenting a wound?

<p>It determines the type of dressing needed and the extent of tissue damage. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the presence of granulation tissue in a wound bed indicate about the healing process?

<p>The wound is healing well and new tissue is being formed. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to differentiate between serous, serosanguineous, and purulent exudate when assessing a wound?

<p>It helps determine the stage of inflammation or infection in the wound. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A surgical wound is closed using sutures, leading to minimal scarring. Which type of wound healing is exemplified in this situation?

<p>Primary intention (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient's surgical wound initially closed by primary intention begins to separate, and is left open to heal with granulation tissue filling the gap. Which type of wound healing is occurring?

<p>Secondary intention (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In tertiary intention wound healing, what is the primary reason for delaying the closure of the wound?

<p>To resolve infection or contamination before final closure. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Following an abdominal surgery, a patient reports a sudden 'popping' sensation, and upon examination, the nurse observes the wound edges have separated with some bowel protruding. What complication does this signify?

<p>Evisceration (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does excessive moisture in a wound bed impede the healing process?

<p>By causing maceration of surrounding skin, hindering epithelialization. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary rationale for using a Jackson-Pratt (JP) drain in a surgical wound?

<p>To remove excess fluid and air from the wound to promote healing. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does polypharmacy potentially complicate wound healing in older adults?

<p>Multiple medications can have interactions that impair the healing process. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does impaired sensory perception increase the risk of pressure ulcer development?

<p>It reduces awareness of pressure and discomfort, delaying repositioning. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What key characteristic distinguishes a Stage 1 pressure ulcer from normal skin?

<p>The skin is intact, but with non-blanchable redness. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a Stage 3 pressure ulcer, what tissues are exposed?

<p>Subcutaneous fat (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What visual characteristic defines an unstageable pressure ulcer?

<p>The base of the ulcer is covered with slough and/or eschar. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What underlying physiological process leads to the development of a suspected deep tissue injury (sDTI)?

<p>Damage to underlying soft tissue from pressure or shear. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

To reduce the risk of pressure ulcers, what is the recommended maximum angle for raising the head of the bed (HOB)?

<p>30 degrees (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is adequate protein intake essential for wound healing?

<p>It provides the building blocks for tissue repair and immune function. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does Vitamin A play in promoting wound healing?

<p>It promotes epithelial cell regeneration and supports the inflammatory response. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is Zinc important for optimal wound healing?

<p>It supports immune function and collagen synthesis. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is adequate hydration important for effective wound healing?

<p>It provides the necessary environment for cellular function and nutrient transport. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the rationale for avoiding the use of hydrogen peroxide on open wounds?

<p>It primarily targets and kills beneficial cells, impairing the healing process. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following vitamins is crucial for collagen synthesis, and deficiencies in this vitamin can impair wound healing?

<p>Vitamin C (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to administer pain medication prior to wound debridement?

<p>To minimize patient discomfort and anxiety during the debridement process. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of debridement relies on the body's own enzymes and moisture to break down necrotic tissue?

<p>Autolytic debridement (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Maggot therapy, where sterile maggots are applied to a wound, is an example of which type of debridement?

<p>Mechanical/biological debridement (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended direction to clean a wound during irrigation to prevent contamination?

<p>From the least contaminated area towards the more contaminated area. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism by which Vacuum-Assisted Closure (VAC) therapy promotes wound healing?

<p>It removes excess fluid, reduces edema, and promotes granulation tissue formation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what type of wound is packing indicated?

<p>Deep wounds with tunneling or undermining. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What gauge of needle is generally recommended when using a 35ml syringe for wound irrigation?

<p>19 gauge (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does local application of heat to an open wound affect the wound environment?

<p>It promotes vasodilation, increasing blood flow and aiding in debridement. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should the nurse document about the edges of a wound?

<p>Cleanliness and approximation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When assessing a wound, which of the following best describes 'tunneling'?

<p>The formation of channels extending from the wound into adjacent tissues. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What color is typically associated with healthy granulation tissue in a wound bed?

<p>Pink or red (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the composition of slough commonly found in a wound bed?

<p>Moist, stringy, yellow or whitish tissue (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason eschar needs to be removed from a wound?

<p>Eschar prevents the formation of granulation tissue and epithelialization. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient's wound is producing a clear, watery exudate. How would this type of exudate be classified?

<p>Serous (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When performing a skin assessment, which area requires extra attention due to increased risk of skin breakdown?

<p>Areas over bony prominences. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient scores low on the 'moisture' component of the Braden Scale. What does this indicate about their risk for pressure ulcers?

<p>The patient has an increased risk of pressure ulcers related to prolonged exposure to moisture. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During the inflammatory phase of wound healing, which cellular activity is most crucial for preventing infection?

<p>Phagocytosis by white blood cells. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the proliferative phase, granulation tissue fills the wound bed. Which component is primarily responsible for the structural integrity of this tissue?

<p>Extracellular matrix and collagen. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Following a surgical incision, epithelialization begins to cover the wound. What is the primary purpose of this process?

<p>To provide a barrier against infection. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What finding would indicate a failure to achieve the ultimate goal of wound healing?

<p>The skin integrity is disrupted. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When assessing a wound with suspected tunneling, what is the most accurate method for determining the depth and direction of the tunnel?

<p>Using a cotton-tipped applicator to gently probe and measure the depth. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During wound assessment, the periwound skin is found to be macerated. How would this affect ongoing care?

<p>Indicates that a dressing with higher absorption is needed. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

You observe pink tissue in the wound bed. How would you proceed?

<p>Leave the tissue alone, as it indicates healthy healing. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A wound is covered in a thick layer of yellow tissue. What is your immediate action?

<p>Remove the tissue as it will impede healing. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is debridement of eschar essential for promoting wound healing?

<p>Eschar can harbor bacteria and prevent wound contraction and epithelialization. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient presents with a wound exuding thick, yellow drainage. What is the most likely cause.

<p>An infection. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A surgical wound is closed with sutures, and the skin edges are well-approximated. By what intention will this wound heal?

<p>Primary Intention (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Wound edges that are not approximated, resulting in a cavity that must fill with granulation tissue. By what intention will it heal?

<p>Secondary intention. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient's surgical wound was initially closed, but due to infection, the wound is left open to heal. After the infection clears, the wound is surgically closed. What type of healing is this?

<p>Tertiary intention. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient reports his surgical incision has separated and he can see loops of bowel protruding. What has happened?

<p>Evisceration. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does excessive fluid accumulation in a wound bed impede the healing process?

<p>It interferes with cellular migration and increases the risk of maceration. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of pressure-redistribution surface relies on air-filled cells to cyclically inflate and deflate, thereby alternating pressure on different areas of the body?

<p>Low-air-loss mattress. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient with a stage 3 pressure ulcer is prescribed a high-protein diet. What is the primary rationale for this nutritional intervention?

<p>To promote collagen synthesis and tissue repair. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary rationale for using sterile saline for wound irrigation rather than hydrogen peroxide?

<p>Sterile saline is non-toxic to healing tissues. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Components of skin assessment?

Evaluation of skin, Braden Scale, and wounds.

Key areas during skin assessment?

Areas of bony prominences, skin under adhesive, blanching, and moisture.

Braden Scale

Evaluates sensory perception, moisture, activity, mobility, nutrition, friction, and shear. Lower scores indicate higher risk.

Stages of wound healing?

Hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling.

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Hemostasis

The process of stopping bleeding.

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Inflammatory stage

White blood cells are sent, causing redness, swelling, warmth, and pain; occurs within 24 hours.

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Proliferative stage

New blood vessels form, granulation tissue fills the wound, and epithelialization occurs (3-24 days).

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Epithelialization

New skin cells grow over the wound, creating a protective skin layer.

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Maturation

The wound fully closes and new skin gets stronger.

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Goal for wound healing?

Intact skin.

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Wound Assessment Elements

Wound location, tissue type, depth, healing process, dimensions, exudate, periwound, and drains.

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Granulation tissue

Tissue that normally forms during wound healing; appears pink.

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Slough

Yellow, stringy substance found in wounds.

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Eschar

Dead tissue that is removed to aid wound healing.

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Exudate

Fluid leaking from an infected wound.

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Serous exudate

Clear, watery plasma.

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Purulent

Thick, yellow, green, tan, or brown exudate.

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Serosanguineous

Pale, red, watery mixture of clear and red fluid.

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Sanguineous

Bright red; indicates active bleeding.

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Primary intention wound

Wound edges are closed, well-approximated, with minimal tissue loss and scarring.

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Secondary intention wound

Wound edges are not approximated, with tissue loss, contamination, and granulation tissue present.

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Tertiary wound healing

Wound left open for several days, then edges are approximated; closure delayed until infection risk is resolved.

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Wound Healing Complications

Hemorrhage, infection, dehiscence, and evisceration.

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Dehiscence

Bursting open of a wound, especially a surgical abdominal wound.

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Evisceration

Wound separation with protrusion of organs.

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Too much fluid

Can inhibit the healing process.

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JP drain

Suction drain with tubing inside the body and a bulb reservoir used post-surgery.

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Polypharmacy

The use of many different drugs concurrently in treating a patient.

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Risk factors of pressure ulcers

Impaired sensory perception, mobility, altered LOC, shear, friction, and moisture.

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Stage 1 ulcer

Intact skin, red/irritation, unblanchable.

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Stage 2 ulcer

Loss of dermal layer, shallow open ulcer, blistering; no sloughing or bruising.

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Stage 3 ulcer

Loss of subcutaneous fat; bone, tendon, and muscle are NOT exposed.

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Stage 4

Exposed bone, tendon, and muscle; possible bone infection.

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Unstageable pressure ulcer

Base of ulcer covered by slough and/or eschar.

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Suspected deep tissue injury

Purple or maroon localized area of discolored intact skin, blood-filled blistering, caused by damage to soft tissue.

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Prevention of pressure ulcers

Nutritional status, incontinence control, frequent position changes, and support surfaces.

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Upright position in chair

Limit to two hours.

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Raise HOB to

30 degrees.

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Nutrition wound healing

Protein, Vitamin A, Zinc, Vitamin C, and fluids.

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Hydrogen peroxide

It is not recommended.

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Autolytic debridement

Body's own enzymes break down necrotic tissue.

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Mechanical debridement

Outside forces remove dead tissue (e.g., maggot therapy).

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Chemical debridement

Topical enzymes break down necrotic tissue.

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Wound Assessment

Dimensions (length x height x depth), edges, inflammation, and exudate presence.

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Irrigation method?

From least to most contaminated, cleaning away from the wound.

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VAC

Machine removes fluid/debris to increase wound healing.

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Wound packing

For deep wounds with tunneling.

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Syringe used

35ml syringe with 19 gauge needle.

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Heat

Vasodilation for open wounds, hemorrhoids, & debridement.

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Study Notes

Skin Assessment

  • Skin assessment includes using the Braden Scale and wound assessment techniques.
  • During skin assessment, check bony prominences, areas under adhesive tape or devices, blanchable or non-blanchable areas, and moisture levels.

Braden Scale

  • The Braden Scale assesses sensory perception, moisture, activity, mobility, nutrition, friction, and shear.
  • Lower scores on the Braden Scale indicate a higher risk for pressure ulcers.

Stages of Wound Healing

  • Hemostasis: Stoppage of bleeding.
  • Inflammation: White blood cells are sent to kill germs and clean the wound, with redness, swelling, warmth, and pain occurring within 24 hours of injury.
  • Proliferation: New blood vessels form, granulation tissue (collagen and extracellular matrix) fills the wound, and epithelialization resurfaces the area, occurring from 3-24 days.
  • Epithelialization: New skin cells grow over a wound to form a protective layer.
  • Maturation: The wound fully closes, and the new skin becomes stronger.
  • The goal for wound healing is to achieve intact skin.

Wound Assessment

  • Wound assessment includes checking wound location, type of tissue in the wound base, depth of tissue involvement (staging), wound healing process, wound dimensions, exudate description, periwound area, and any drains.
  • Tunneling in a wound refers to tracts of different depths.
  • Granulation tissue is pink tissue that normally forms during wound healing.
  • Slough is yellow, stringy, or mucoid material coming out of wounds.
  • Eschar is dead tissue that needs to be removed to help wound healing.

Exudate Types

  • Exudate is fluid that leaks out of an infected wound.
  • Serous exudate is clear and watery plasma.
  • Purulent exudate is thick and can be yellow, green, tan, or brown.
  • Serosanguineous exudate is pale, red, and watery.
  • Sanguineous exudate is bright red, indicating active bleeding.

Wound Healing Types

  • Primary intention wound healing occurs when wound edges are closed, well-approximated, with little tissue loss and minimal scarring.
  • Secondary intention wound healing happens when wound edges are not approximated, there is tissue loss or contamination, and granulation tissue is present, potentially involving tunneling.
  • Tertiary wound healing involves leaving a wound open for several days, then approximating the edges; closure is delayed until the risk of infection is resolved.

Complications of Wound Healing

  • Complications include hemorrhage, infection, dehiscence (bursting open of a wound), and evisceration (protrusion of organs).
  • Too much fluid decreases wound healing.
  • A JP (Jackson-Pratt) drain is a suction drain with tubing inside the body and a bulb reservoir.

Risk Factors of Pressure Ulcers

  • Risk factors include impaired sensory perception, impaired mobility, alterations in level of consciousness, shear, friction, and moisture.

Pressure Ulcer Stages

  • Stage 1: Intact skin with redness/irritation that is unblanchable.
  • Stage 2: Loss of dermal layer, shallow open ulceration, no sloughing or bruising, blistering, serum-filled or serosanguineous filled.
  • Stage 3: Loss of subcutaneous fat; bone, tissue, and tendon are not exposed.
  • Stage 4: Exposed bone, tendon, and muscle; possible bone infection.
  • Unstageable: Ulcer base is covered by slough and/or eschar in the wound bed.
  • Suspected Deep Tissue Injury: Purple or maroon localized area of discolored intact skin or blood-filled blistering caused by damage to soft tissue from pressure or shear force, and is often painful.

Prevention of Pressure Ulcers

  • Nutritional status, controlling incontinence, frequent position changes, and support beds/surfaces are all strategies of prevention.
  • Limit upright position in a chair to two hours.
  • Raise the head of the bed to 30 degrees.

Nutrition for Wound Healing

  • Protein, Vitamin A (for regeneration), Zinc (for preventing infection), Vitamin C (for collagen synthesis), and fluids are important.
  • All cells need water, so staying hydrated helps support wound healing.

Wound Care Principles

  • Do not use hydrogen peroxide to clean wounds.
  • Offer pain medications before debriding.

Types of Debridement

  • Autolytic: Uses the body's own enzymes to break down necrotic tissue.
  • Mechanical: Uses outside forces to remove dead tissue (e.g., maggots).
  • Chemical: Topical enzymes are applied to induce changes that break down necrotic tissue.

Wound Assessment and Documentation

  • Assess wound dimensions (length x height x depth), edges (clean, well-approximated, crusting), and presence of inflammation or exudate.
  • Irrigate from least to most contaminated areas, cleaning away from the wound.
  • Vacuum-Assisted Closure (VAC): A machine removes fluid and debris to increase wound healing.
  • Wound packing is used for deep wounds.
  • A 35 ml syringe with a 19-gauge needle is used for wound irrigation.

Heat Application

  • Therapeutic heat application causes vasodilation and is beneficial for open wounds, hemorrhoids, and wound debridement.

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