wound healing
General
Instructed patient unlike gauze bandages that merely cover a wound, V.A.C. therapy actively works to help the wound healing process. The V.A.C.therapy system helps: promote wound healing, provide a moist wound healing environment, draw wound edges together, remove fluid and infectious materials, reduce wound odor, reduce the need for daily dressing changes.
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 about vacuum assisted closure ( VAC ) therapy the length of time to heal a wound is different for every patient. General conditions, size and location of the wound, and nutritional status can affect the time it takes for a wound to heal. Your clinician will discuss when and why V.A.C. therapy may begin and end.
Patient instructed on the importance of drinking 6-8 glasses of water per day. Hydration is important for wound healing, healthy skin, digestion, healthy kidneys, and electrolyte balance. Instructed on the increased risk for dehydration during the summer months.
Instructed patient abour the V.A.C. therapy System is an Advanced Wound Therapy System consisting of a V.A.C. Therapy unit that delivers negative pressure and a sterile plastic tubing with SensaT.R.A.C, pressure sensing lumens that connect the therapy unit to the dressing Special foam dressings. KCI recommends the V.A.C. Dressings be changed every 48 to 72 hours, but no less than 3 times per week. Patient has the ability to move around depending on the condition, the wound location and type of therapy unit prescribed. The V.A.C. Therapy System may be disconnected so you can take a shower. Therapy may not be off any longer than two hours per day.
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 suggested patient to have nails, calluses and corns trimmed by podiatrist because those with diabetes have poor circulation. A good blood circulation is known to aid your body in all healing processes, so when it becomes sluggish, it takes longer for any injuries to on feet to heal.
Instructed caregiver reducing additional risk factors, such as , high cholesterol, and elevated blood glucose, are important in prevention and treatment of a diabetic foot ulcer. Wearing the appropriate shoes and socks will go a long way in reducing risks. the patient podiatrist can provide guidance in selecting the proper shoes.
SN instructed Patient about intertrigo: It is usually a chronic with insidious onset of itching, burning, and stinging in skin folds. Intertrigo commonly is seasonal, associated with heat and humidity or strenuous activity in which chafing occurs. In addition to obesity and diabetes, hyperhidrosis may be a risk factor for intertrigo. Additional factors that predispose individuals to perineal intertrigo include urinary or fecal incontinence, vaginal discharge, or a draining wound.
SN instructed patient that 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.