wound care
Patient was instructed on traumatic wounds. Contusions are caused by more extensive tissue trauma after severe blunt or blast trauma. The overlying skin may seem to be intact but later become non-viable. Extensive contusion may lead to infection.
Patient was instructed on wounds contributing facts. In addition to poor circulation, neuropathy, and difficulty moving, factors that contribute to chronic wounds include systemic illness, age and repeated trauma.
Patient was instructed on factors that may contribute to chronic wounds is old age. The skin of older people is more easily damaged, and older cells do not proliferate as fast and may not have an adequate response to stress in terms of gene up regulation of stress related proteins. In older cells, stress response genes are over expressed when the cell is not stressed, but when it is, the expression of these proteins is not regulated by as much as in younger cells.
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 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.
SN advised patient to take temperature once a day before bedtime, check for bleeding, pus, hardness, swelling, odor and any color change. If any of these are present, please let your nurse or doctor know as soon as possible. Patient verbalized understanding of instructions given.
The patient was instructed in cellulitis the importance of elevation and immobilization of the affected limb for at least 2 to 3 days or until redness and the swelling have decreased. The patient was taught in wound care and dressing changes. The patient was advised how to apply cool compresses for discomfort, alternating with a warm compress or warm soak to increase circulation to the affected area.
The patient was instructed in compartment syndrome if surgical treatment was performed such as fasciotomy emphasize there is an increased potential for infection. The patient was reviewed in the proper technique for care of the surgical incision and aseptic procedures for dressing changes. The patient was advised to inspect the wound daily to check for increased drainage. The patient was recommended the need for rest and elevation of the extremity postoperatively. The patient was encouraged to use of assistive devices.