Principles of Wound Management
This lesson will teach the learner about the following topics pertaining to the principles of wound management:
- Preventing complications of wound healing (e.g., infection, maceration, inappropriate product use)
- Recommending appropriate pain management modalities
- Recommending appropriate wound cleansing regimen
- Identifying the need for wound culture (e.g., delayed wound healing, signs and symptoms of infection)
- Differentiating the most appropriate method for wound culture (e.g., aspirate, Levine, punch biopsy)
- Identifying indications and contraindications for debridement
- Recommending the type of debridement (e.g., autolytic, chemical, mechanical, surgical, conservative sharp)
- Identifying wounds that require chemical cauterization
- Identifying the need for advanced modalities for wound cleansing and debridement (e.g., pulsed lavage, mist therapy, maggot therapy)
- Recommending appropriate topical treatment to maintain periwound integrity
- Recommending and applying dressings for moist wound healing (e.g., containment of drainage, eliminate dead space, reduce bioburden, control odor, debridement)
- Identifying wounds appropriate for advanced wound therapy (e.g., leech therapy, bioengineered tissue, negative pressure wound therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy)
- Educating patients and caregivers regarding wound healing (e.g., infection, tobacco cessation, nutrition, optimal health choices, causative factors)
- Facilitating appropriate interdisciplinary consultations (e.g., surgical, pain clinic, orthotics, nutrition, social services, pastoral care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, mental health professional)
Activities Included:
Principles of Wound Management Video
Principles of Wound Management Audio
Handout Download
