Wound Care Education Review

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to wound care education.

Epidermis

Avascular outer layer of the skin, protective barrier and synthesizes vitamin D.

Dermis

Highly vascularized layer of skin containing fibroblasts that synthesize and secrete collagen and elastin.

Subcutaneous tissue

Composed of connective tissue and fat; functions to store energy and provide insulation.

Wound Assessment

Includes details such as wound type, location, size, tunneling, tissue type and drainage.

Tunneling

Channel extending from wound bed through subcutaneous tissue resulting in dead space.

Undermining

Tissue destruction under intact skin along wound edges resulting in dead space.

Viable Tissue

Includes epithelial or granulation tissue that is necessary for wound healing.

Necrotic Tissue

Non-viable tissue that must be removed for proper wound healing.

Serous Exudate

Clear, thin and watery drainage; larger amounts may indicate high bioburden.

Sanguinous Exudate

Bloody drainage; normal in inflammatory phase of wound healing.

Purulent Exudate

Thick, opaque drainage that may have an odor and indicate infection.

Wound Edges Description

Refers to defined/undefined, attached/unattached, macerated, or dry edges of a wound.

Periwound

Area of tissue that surrounds the open wound, requiring protection.

Pain Assessment

Evaluates location, intensity, quality, duration, and factors affecting pain.

Acute wounds

Move through wound healing phases in an orderly fashion.

Chronic wounds

Fail to progress through stages of healing in a timely manner.

Factors Impeding Wound Healing

Includes age, medications, disease processes, immunosuppression, diabetes, infection, and nutritional compromise.

Bioburden

Measure of microorganisms present on a wound bed or surface.

Colonization of Bioburden

Organisms begin to multiply on wound surface; no clinical signs or symptoms.

Critical Colonization

Biofilm formation causing tissue damage and may show 1-2 signs and symptoms.

Infection Signs

Host immune response is triggered with classic signs of infection.

Debridement

Removal of necrotic tissue to promote healing and prepare wound bed.

Selective Debridement

Only non-viable tissue is removed while healthy tissue is preserved.

Non-Selective Debridement

Removal of both healthy and necrotic tissue.

Mechanical Debridement

Using external force such as irrigation to remove necrotic tissue.

Enzymatic Debridement

Application of specific enzymes to facilitate breakdown of necrotic tissue.

Autolytic Debridement

Using the body's own enzymes to dissolve necrotic tissue in a moist environment.

Biological Debridement

Use of sterile maggots to ingest necrotic tissue and reduce bacteria.

Phase of Wound Healing

Includes hemostasis, inflammatory, proliferative, and maturation phases.

Stage 1 Pressure Injury

Intact skin with non-blanchable redness over a bony prominence.

Stage 2 Pressure Injury

Partial thickness skin loss of the dermis; may present as a blister.

Stage 3 Pressure Injury

Full thickness tissue loss into the subcutaneous layer; may see fat.

Stage 4 Pressure Injury

Full thickness tissue loss with exposed bone, tendon, or muscle.

Unstageable Pressure Injury

Full thickness loss obscured by necrosis, making staging impossible.

Diabetic Foot Ulcer

Wounds typical of diabetes patients, often due to neuropathy and vascular disease.

Wagner Ulcer Grades

Classification system for diabetic ulcers based on progression and characteristics.

Venous Stasis Ulcer

Wound caused by venous insufficiency, typically located below the knee.

Arterial Ulcers

Typically occurs in areas with poor blood supply; appear 'punched out'.

Compression Therapy

Used to reduce edema in venous insufficiency and promote healing.

Ankle Brachial Index (ABI)

Test comparing ankle systolic pressure to brachial pressure to assess arterial occlusion.

Nutritional Support for Wound Healing

Includes proteins, vitamins, and minerals essential for tissue repair.

Biofilm Management

Strategies used to dislodge surface contaminants and manage bioburden.

Moist Wound Healing

Important for cells to migrate and divide at optimum rates.

Primary Wound Dressing

Applied directly to the wound; therapeutic or protective covering.

Secondary Wound Dressing

Secures primary dressing and can serve therapeutic or protective purpose.

Hydrogels

Dressings that donate moisture to wound beds and promote granulation.

Hydrocolloids

Dressings that promote moist wound healing while being occlusive.

Calcium Alginates

Absorbent dressings derived from seaweed, used for moderate to heavy drainage.

Gelling Fiber Dressings

Dressings that absorb fluid and create a gel to manage wound exudate.

Foam Dressings

Hydrophobic dressings that provide a moist environment and cushioning.

Super Absorbent Dressings

Dressing that locks harmful wound fluid components away from the wound bed.

Electrical Stimulation Therapy

Uses electrical currents to promote wound healing and tissue response.

Ultrasound Therapy

Non-invasive therapy that stimulates tissue repair and enhances nutrient delivery.

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT)

Uses controlled suction to promote healing in chronic or acute wounds.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Involves breathing pure oxygen at increased atmospheric pressure for wound healing.

Wound Cleansing Agents

Includes saline, wound cleansers, and warm water while avoiding cytotoxic solutions.

Anasept Wound Cleanser

Antiseptic solution used for cleansing wounds and decreasing bioburden.

Indications for Compression Therapy

Management of venous ulcers and lymphedema to enhance healing.

Medicare Criteria for Specialty Mattresses

Sets standards for patients needing specialized support surfaces for pressure relief.

Fracture Healing

Biological process of bone repair that can be influenced by external factors.

Maggot Debridement Therapy (MDT)

Uses sterile maggots to clean wounds and stimulate healing.

Medical Grade Honey

A natural antimicrobial agent used for wound care.

Caloric Intake in Wound Healing

Essential for providing energy and supporting the healing process.

Sharp Debridement

Fast and effective method for removing necrotic tissue in wound management.

Pain Management during Debridement

Use of analgesics and topical anesthetics for patient comfort.

Cytotoxic Agents

Substances harmful to cells; should be avoided in wound care.

State Practice Act

Legal requirements and regulations guiding medical practices and procedures.

Company Policy for Wound Care

Internal guidelines that dictate wound treatment processes and protocols.

Transition from Acute to Chronic Wound

Process of a wound failing to heal in a timely manner leading to prolonged care.

Patient Education in Wound Care

Key component in wound management for enhancing healing and prevention.

Surgical Debridement

Major or minor surgical procedure to remove large amounts of necrotic tissue.

Wound Bed Preparation

Essential elements for promoting healing through proper wound management.

Tissue Granulation

Process of healthy tissue formation following wound healing.