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

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary related to inflammation, healing, and skin concerns in a nursing context.

Inflammation

A response to a trigger, usually something foreign to the body, aimed at containing, diluting, and removing the threat.

Decubitus Ulcer

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

Exudate

Leftover edema and dead white blood cells that are filtered out by the lymphatic system.

Pitting Edema

When pressing a finger into the skin leaves a mark that can be graded based on how long it takes to rebound.

Wound Classification

A system used to categorize wounds based on factors like trauma, depth, and cleanliness.

Proliferative Phase

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

Factors Affecting Healing

Elements such as age, chronic conditions, nutrition, and high-risk health behaviors that can influence the healing process.

Diuretics

Medications that promote the removal of fluid through the kidneys, used to relieve edema.

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy

A therapeutic technique that uses suction to help the healing of wounds.

Surgical Debridement

The process of removing dead tissue or debris from a wound to promote healing.