skin care
Patient was instructed on another leading type of chronic wounds is pressure ulcers. That occurs when pressure on the tissue is grater than the pressure in capillaries, and thus restricts blood flow into the area. Muscle tissues, which needs more oxygen and nutrients than skin does, show the worst effects from prolonged pressure. As in other chronic ulcers, reperfusion injury damage tissue.
Patient was instructed on what to avoid in presence of ulcers. Friction and shear need to be reduced. Friction is the mechanical force exerted when skin is dragged against a coarse surface while shear is the mechanical force caused by the interplay of gravity and friction.
Patient was instructed on the optimization of wound environment. Adequate nutrition and hydration, remove nonviable tissue, maintain moisture balance, protect the wound and peri-wound skin, eliminate or minimize pain, cleanse, prevent and manage infection, control odor.
Patient was instructed on adequate nutrition and hydration to minimize wound development. Encourage protein, calorie-dense foods and fluids (unless contraindicated), monitor intake, weight and skin turgor, assess and address impairments in dentition and swallowing.
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 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.
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.
Patient was instructed on tips for a good personal hygiene such as, Keep the skin clean. People who live in warm climates or tend to sweat need to take extra care. Do not re-wear the clothes without washing them.
Instructed PCA the importance of the patient's skin care, keep the perineal area clean and change
pads and undergarments to prevent odors. Inspect the area regularly.
Advised the patient receives complete instructions in the care of the prosthesis. Instructed patient how to apply the elastic sleeve or wrap the stump for molding and shaping. Encouraged patient that the stump should not be wrapped too strongly, since this will prejudice circulation. Encouraged the importance of daily hygiene to prevent infection and skin breakdown.