unit 3

Pressure Ulcer

Localized damage to the skin and underlying soft tissue, typically occurring over a bony prominence.

Tissue Anoxia

Lack of oxygen in the tissues, leading to compromised cell metabolism.

Braden Scale

A risk assessment tool evaluating a patient's risk for developing pressure ulcers.

Elderly Patients

Individuals more susceptible to pressure ulcers due to thinner skin and reduced elasticity.

Malnourished Individuals

People lacking in essential nutrients, increasing their vulnerability to skin breakdown.

Incontinence

The inability to control urination or defecation, increasing moisture and risk of skin damage.

Immobile Patients

Individuals who cannot reposition themselves, elevating their risk of pressure injuries.

Dehiscence

The reopening of a previously closed wound, which can delay healing and increase infection risk.

Evisceration

A severe form of dehiscence where abdominal contents protrude through the wound opening.

Granulation Tissue

New, fragile tissue that forms during the wound healing process.

Eschar

A dry, thick layer of dead tissue covering a wound, often requiring debridement.

Fungal Infection

Infections caused by fungi, often affecting skin or mucosal areas.

Candidiasis

A fungal infection often occurring in warm, moist areas of the body.

Psoriasis

A chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by rapid skin cell proliferation.

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)

A viral infection causing cold sores (HSV-1) and genital herpes (HSV-2).

Shingles (Herpes Zoster)

Reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus causing a painful rash.

Pediculosis

Infestation with lice, transmitted through direct contact.

Scabies

A skin condition caused by mites burrowing into the skin, leading to intense itching.

Keloids

Hypertrophic scar tissue resulting from excessive collagen formation after a wound.

Acute Wounds

Wounds that have a rapid healing time, such as incisions or abrasions.

Chronic Wounds

Wounds that do not heal within a normal timeframe, persisting for over a month.

Moisture-Associated Skin Damage (MASD)

Skin damage caused by prolonged exposure to moisture, often seen in incontinence.

Negative Pressure Therapy

A therapeutic method that encourages healing by applying negative pressure to a wound.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

A treatment increasing oxygen supply to tissues, enhancing wound healing.

Wound Drainage Types

Categories of wound exudate, including sanguineous, serous, and purulent.

Primary Intention

Wound healing that occurs with minimal tissue loss, often with suturing.

Secondary Intention

Wound healing where the wound is left open to heal by granulation.

Tertiary Intention

Wound healing that involves initially leaving a wound open before closing it.

Erythema

Redness of the skin around a wound, often indicating inflammation or infection.

Hydrocolloid Dressings

Gel-forming pads used on shallow, non-infected wounds.

Alginate Dressings

Seaweed-based absorbent dressings used for deep wounds with heavy exudate.

Capillary Refill

Test assessing perfusion; color should return within 2 seconds after pressure is applied.

ABCDE Rule for Melanoma

A guideline to assess moles for cancer signs: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter, Evolving.

Signs of Wound Infection

Symptoms indicating potential infection include redness, warmth, swelling, and purulent drainage.

Friction and Shear

Mechanical forces that contribute to skin damage, particularly in immobile patients.

Sinus Tract

A narrow channel extending from a wound to surrounding tissue, often due to infection.

Slough

Stringy necrotic tissue that appears in the wound bed, often requiring removal.

Cellulitis

A bacterial skin infection characterized by redness, swelling, and tenderness.

Debridement

The process of removing necrotic tissue from a wound to promote healing.

Wound Cultures

Tests performed to determine the presence and type of infectious microorganisms.

Vasodilation

Widening of blood vessels, often leading to increased blood flow and warmth in infected or inflamed areas.

Pressure Injury Staging

A system to categorize pressure injuries based on severity, including stages 1-4.

Skin Assessment Techniques

Methods including inspection and palpation to evaluate skin health.

Wound Healing Stages

The phases of healing: Inflammatory, Proliferation, and Maturation.

Patient Education on Skin Care

Information provided to patients to promote skin health and prevent issues such as pressure ulcers.

Exudate

Fluid that leaks from blood vessels into tissues, often found in wounds.