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10.1: Wound Care Introduction
Opening the book…
Learning Objectives
Assess tissue condition, wounds, drainage, and pressure injuries
Cleanse and irrigate wounds
Apply a variety of wound dressings
Obtain a wound culture specimen
Use appropriate aseptic or sterile technique
Explain procedure to patient
Adapt procedures to reflect variations across the life span
Recognize and report significant deviations in wounds
Document actions and observations
Wound healing is a complex physiological process that restores function to skin and tissue that have been injured. The healing process is affected by several external and internal factors that either promote or inhibit healing. When providing wound care to patients, nurses, in collaboration with other members of the health care team, assess and manage external and internal factors to provide an optimal healing environment.[1]
Complex wounds often require care by specialists. Certified wound care nurses assess, treat, and create care plans for patients with complex wounds, ostomies, and incontinence conditions. They act as educators and consultants to staff nurses and other healthcare professionals. This chapter will discuss wound care basics for entry-level nurses. Request a consultation by a certified wound care nurse when caring for patients with complex or nonhealing wounds.