Patient was instructed on factors that contribute in chronic wounds as repeated trauma. Repeated physical trauma plays a role in chronic wound formation by continually initiating the inflammatory cascade. The trauma occurs by accident, for example when a leg is repeatedly bumped against a wheelchair rest, or it may be due to intentional acts.
Patient was instructed on treating painful wounds. Persistent pain associated with non-healing wounds is caused by tissue or nerve damage and is influenced by dressing changes and chronic inflammation. Chronic wounds take long time to heal and patients can suffer from chronic wounds for many years.
Patient was instructed on chronic wound healing. That may be compromised by coexisting underlying conditions, such as, venous valve backflow, peripheral vascular disease, uncontrolled edema and diabetes mellitus. It is important to remember that increased wound pain may be an indicator of wound complications that need treatment, and therefore practitioners may be constantly reassess the wound as well as the associated pain.
Patient was instructed on pressure ulcer also called decubitus or bed sore. A pressure ulcer is the results of damage caused by pressure over time causing an ischemia of underlying structures. Bony prominences are the most common sites and causes.
Instructed patient about some signs and symptoms of pressure ulcers, such as, skin tissue that feels firm or boggy, local redness, warmth, tenderness or swelling.
Skilled Nurse instructed caregiver get at least 4 pillows, include one of those long body pillows since you can and place them between the knees, ankles, under the arms and behind the back when the patient is laid on her side.
Skilled Nurse to educate on S/S of wound deterioration or infection such as: increase pain on wound site, swelling, temperature, and discharge.
Instructed caregiver that treatment includes proper positioning, always avoid placing any weight or pressure on the wound site.
Instructed patient all bed-bound and chair-bound persons, or those whose ability to reposition is impaired, to be at risk for pressure ulcers.
Instructed caregiver reduce friction by making sure when lifting a patient in bed that they are lifted, not dragged during repositioning, prevent ulcers from occurring and can also help them from getting worse .