lecture recording on 12 March 2025 at 10.27.58 AM

Gyrate and Lesions

• Gyrate:

  • Related to infections, connective tissue diseases, and malignant conditions.

  • Common in cancers like lung, breast, esophageal, stomach, kidney and uterus .

• Lesions:

  • Importance of distinguishing between primary and secondary lesions.

  • Focus on identifying lesions based on case scenarios from clinical or hospital settings.

Inflammatory Response to Injury

• Body's Natural Response:

  • Triggered by injury (e.g., cuts).

  • Involves signals sent to activate immune cells like macrophages and mast cells.

• Process of Inflammation:

  • Histamine is released causing capillaries to widen and become more permeable.

  • Clotting begins at the site of injury, forming a blood clot.

  • Neutrophils and macrophages consume debris and bacteria.

• Characteristics of Inflammation:

  • Symptoms may include heat, redness, swelling, tenderness.

  • These symptoms represent the body's natural response to trauma.

Case Study Presentation

• Example of a 36-year-old patient with hand swelling and pain:

  • Initially sent home after mild treatment but worsens to severe pain and swelling.

  • Treatment involved surgery, antibiotics, and subsequent wound care.

  • Highlights importance of thorough assessment and follow-up care in clinical practice.

Types of Inflammation

• Acute Inflammation:

  • Lasts a few weeks, minimal residual damage.

  • Caused by infections or allergic reactions.

• Subacute Inflammation:

  • Lasts longer, potentially weeks to months.

• Chronic Inflammation:

  • Prolonged duration, lasting weeks to years.

  • Common in conditions like COPD.

Nursing Considerations for Inflammation and Wound Care

• Importance of Prevention:

  • Nutritional support, hydration, and monitoring vital signs.

• Medications:

  • Assessing for signs of infection and treating with appropriate antibiotics.

• Fluid and valid temperature checking in immunocompromised patients crucial.

Phases of Wound Healing

• Types of Healing Intention:

  • Primary Intention: Minimal tissue loss; e.g., surgical closure.

  • Secondary Intention: Significant tissue loss; takes longer and can result in larger scars.

  • Tertiary Intention: Delayed closure of contaminated wounds after inflammation resolved.

Factors Impeding Wound Healing

• Nutritional deficits, infection presence, chronic conditions, and lifestyle factors such as smoking can delay healing.

• Key Nutritional Requirements:

  • High protein intake is critical for healing.

  • Adequate hydration and monitoring of glucose levels are vital, especially in diabetics.

Infection Control and Treatment Strategies

• Assessment and Treatment:

  • Use of aseptic technique and proper dressing changes.

  • Ensure patient education about signs of infection and compliance with prescribed medication.

• Strict infection control measures in hospital settings, particularly for at-risk patients with chronic illnesses.

Antibiotic Stewardship and Resistance

• Antimicrobial Resistance:

  • Common organisms: MRSA, VRE, C. Diff.

  • Importance of completing prescribed courses of antibiotics.

• Administration of Antibiotics:

  • Monitor for side effects and effectiveness, such as GI disturbances or rashes.

Nursing Responsibilities in Infection Control

• Hand hygiene is utmost priority for preventing transmission of infections.

• Continuous evaluation of patient's response to treatment, adjusting strategies as needed.

Pressure Ulcers Overview

• Stages of Pressure Ulcers:

  • Stage 1: Non-blanchable erythema.

  • Stage 2: Partial thickness loss with exposed dermis.

  • Stage 3: Full thickness loss of subcutaneous fat.

  • Stage 4: Full thickness with exposure of muscle or bone.

  • Unstageable: Obscured full thickness injury due to slough or eschar.

Assessment and Care Plans for Ulcers

• Importance of regular assessment, identifying risk factors, and creating comprehensive care plans to prevent ulcer formation and promote healing.

• Wilfulness and engagement in patient education about self-care and monitoring for potential complications.