Week 6 - The Role of Physical Therapy in Wound Care

These flashcards provide key vocabulary terms and definitions related to the role of physical therapy in wound care.

Epidermis

Outer layer of skin composed of stratified squamous epithelial cells.

Dermis

Layer of skin beneath the epidermis consisting primarily of connective tissue and collagen.

Dermal peg

A structure that connects the epidermis to the dermis.

Neonate

An infant within the first 28 days of life.

Elastin

A protein in skin that provides elasticity, which develops as a child grows.

Integumentary system

The system that includes skin and its appendages, serving various functions.

Pruritis

Itching, a common symptom of skin diseases.

Xeroderma

Dry skin condition.

Impetigo

A contagious bacterial skin infection that causes red sores.

Tinea

A fungal infection of the skin commonly known as ringworm.

Malignant melanoma

A severe form of skin cancer originating in melanocytes.

Hemostasis

The initial phase of wound healing involving coagulation after injury.

Inflammatory phase

Phase of wound healing characterized by cellular response, edema, and debris

Proliferative phase

A phase in wound healing characterized by collagen production and granulation tissue formation.

Remodeling

The final phase of wound healing where scar tissue gains tensile strength.

Dehiscence

The surgical complication where a wound ruptures along a surgical suture.

Biofilm

A structured community of microorganisms encased in a self-produced polymeric matrix.

Debridement

The removal of necrotic or infected tissue to promote healing.

Autolytic debridement

A method of debridement that utilizes the body’s own enzymes to break down necrotic tissue.

Dakin's solution

A solution used in wound care composed of sodium hypochlorite and used for debridement.

Hydrogels

Dressing composed of organic polymers with 30-90% water content

Calcium alginates

A type of dressing derived from seaweed that absorbs exudate by forming a gel.

Transparent film

Dressing composed of a thin polyurethane membrane with an adhesive acrylic layer

Foam

Dressing composed of soft open-cell sheets of polyurethane with or without adhesive borders

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT)

A therapy that uses suction to facilitate wound healing by promoting blood flow and tissue growth.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

A treatment that involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized environment to enhance healing.

Ella's Law

A guideline suggesting that effective management of wounds can lead to improved health outcomes.

Venous ulcer

An ulcer resulting from improper functioning of venous valves, often occurring in the lower leg.

Arterial ulcers

Ulcers that occur due to insufficient blood flow to the skin.

Pressure injury

Injury to the skin and underlying tissue due to prolonged pressure.

Exudate

Fluid that leaks out of blood vessels into nearby tissues during the healing process.

Serous exudate

A clear, watery fluid that is typical of a healing wound.

Purulent exudate

Thick, opaque drainage often indicative of infection.

Hemosiderin staining

Brownish discoloration of the skin due to excess iron from red blood cell breakdown.

Granulation tissue

New connective tissue and blood vessels that form during the healing process.

Neoplasms

Abnormal tissue growths that can be benign or malignant.

ABCDE rule

A mnemonic for assessing moles for melanoma by checking Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, and Evolving features.

Thermoregulation

The process by which the body maintains its core internal temperature.

Scar tissue

Fibrous tissue that replaces normal skin after an injury.

Mechanical debridement

The physical removal of dead tissue from a wound.

Granulation

The process by which new tissue forms over a wound.

Maceration

Softening and breakdown of skin due to prolonged exposure to moisture.

Contraction process

The process in wound healing where the edges of the wound are pulled together.

Necrotic tissue

Tissue that has died due to a lack of blood supply.

Ileostomy

Surgical creation of an opening through the abdomen, allowing waste to exit the body.

Skin grafting

A surgical procedure to transplant skin to the wounded area.

Low tissue perfusion

Inadequate blood flow to the tissue, potentially leading to poor healing.

Morbidity

The condition of being diseased or unhealthy, often in a population study.

Epidemic

A widespread occurrence of a disease or condition within a population.

Bio-occlusive dressings

Dressings that are impermeable to water and bacteria, promoting healing.

Acute wounds

Wounds that heal normally in a short time frame.

Chronic wounds

Wounds that do not follow the normal healing progression.

Subcutaneous tissue

Tissue beneath the skin that provides cushioning and insulation.

Distance healing techniques

Therapies that can be applied without direct intervention on the patient.

Palliative care

Holistic care aimed at providing relief from symptoms of serious illness.

Iontophoresis

A technique that uses electrical currents to deliver medications through the skin.

Tissue perfusion

The flow of blood through the tissue, crucial for oxygen and nutrient delivery.

Adjunct therapy

Supplemental treatment added to a primary therapy for enhanced effect.

60% thinner

How much thinner is skin at birth compared to adulthood?

urticaria

Condition also know as hives

bacterial

What type of skin pathology are boils, cellulitis, and impetigo?

fungal

What type of skin pathology are candidiasis and tinea?

viral

What type of skin pathology are herpes simples, zoster, and warts?

vector

Scabies and lice are _____ borne skin pathologies.

POWER

Mnemonic for remembering the 5 cardinal signs of infection

red

Color that indicates a wound bed is clean and healthy (granulation)

yellow

Color that indicates the presence of exudate and slough (necrosis) in a wound bed

black

Color that indicates the presence of eschar (necrosis) in wound bed

undermining

Erosion of tissue beneath the intact skin at a wound's edge, creating a lip, shelf, or pocket around the wound margin

Symmetry, girth, and palpation

Anthropometric wound measurements

facilitate wound healing

Function of a primary dressing

anchor primary dressing

Function of a secondary dressing

wound bed

Selection of the primary dressing should be based on the condition of what?

activity level

Selection of the secondary dressing should be based on the patient’s _____.

autolytic

Type of debridement that utilizes dressings like hydrogels, hydrocolloids, foams, and films

infection

Contraindication for using occlusive dressings

hydrocolloid

Dressing type for shallow or flat wounds with minimal drainage

hydrogel

Dressing type for autolytic debridement of dry wounds

foam

Dressing type for wounds with heavy exudate

calcium alginate

Dressing type for draining cavity wounds

compression wraps

Dressing type that assists in edema control and absorption of drainage

25 kHz

Frequency for ultrasonic assisted wound treatment