skin breakdown
General
SN instructed that the steri strips may fall off the skin after 10 days. Leave the steri strips in place until they fall off on their own accord or until your doctor determines it is appropriate to remove them. If the wound has healed and your doctor says you can remove the strips, use lotion or a small amount of water to loosen them from your skin.
Instructed patent / CG wash skin around the tube with soap and warm water. Clean around G-tube to remove any drainage and / or crusting. Rinse soap off with clear water. Dry skin thoroughly. Keep this site clean and dry.
Instructed patient check for redness, swelling, any drainage or excess skin growing around the tube. A small amount of clear tan drainage can be normal. Call your care team with any concerns. Instructed patient remove old dressing (if dressing is being used). Look at the area where the tube enters the skin
SN instructed pt on hygiene r/t wound care. It is very important to maintain a clean environment as well as clean , dry skin. Do not pick at wounds, or at other areas of the skin. Our fingernails harbor bacteria under them, wash hands throughly and often throughout the the day with soap and water, hand sanitizer can be used in between but are not a substitute for proper hand washing.
SN instructed care giver that changing a patient's position in bed every 2 hours helps keep blood flowing. This helps the skin stay healthy and prevents bedsores.
Instructed caregiver keep the patient's skin around her PEG tube dry. This will help prevent skin irritation and infection. Caregiver verbalized understanding.
Instructed in proper skin care, focusing on areas prone to abnormalities.
SN instructed patient about cast care: keep the cast clean and avoid getting dirt or sand inside the cast. Do not apply powder or lotion on or near the cast. Cover the cast when eating, do not place anything inside the cast, even for itchy areas. Sticking items inside the cast can injure the skin and lead to infection. Using a hair dryer on the cool setting may help soothe itching, do not pull the padding out from inside your cast.
Instructed patient when should I call my clinician when on V.A.C. Therapy: immediately report to your clinician if you have any of these symptoms: fever over 102°, diarrhea, headache, sore throat, confusion, sick to your stomach or throwing up, dizziness or feel faint when you stand up, redness around the wound, skin itches or rash present, wound is sore, red or swollen, pus or bad smell from the wound, area in or around wound feels very warm.
Instructed patient a really important part of planning patients for stomas is to ensure the site is appropriate. Poor siting leads to a stoma which the patient has difficulty in changing and cleaning. This leads to increased risk of skin, and other, complications.