Med-Surg Perspective on Inflammation, Healing and Concerns of the Skin

A series of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts of inflammation, healing, and wound management in a medical-surgical nursing context.

Inflammation

A response to a trigger, usually something foreign to the body, aimed to contain, dilute, and remove the trigger to eliminate the threat.

Exudate

Leftover edema and dead white blood cells that slowly get filtered out by the lymph system.

Decubitus Ulcer

Localized skin and soft tissue injuries that develop due to prolonged pressure and/or shear exerted on a specific area of the body.

Ischemia

A prolonged lack of oxygen that can lead to tissue death due to limited perfusion.

Pitting Edema

A condition where pressing a finger into the swollen skin leaves a mark indicating the severity of edema.

Acute Wound

A wound that occurs suddenly and is expected to heal fairly quickly.

Chronic Wound

A wound that fails to heal in an orderly process or persists for a long period.

Proliferative Phase

The phase of healing where inflammatory agents leave and surrounding tissue is signaled to grow and replace lost tissue.

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy

A treatment that applies a vacuum through a sealed dressing to promote wound healing.

Diuretics

Medications used to remove excess fluid from the body, often used to treat edema.