Recent Posts | page 20
June 12, 2018
A comprehensive skin assessment should look for more than just wounds because many medical problems have telltale signs that are easy to see if you know what to look for. POA. These three little letters have become very important in wound care because we must document any wounds present on admission (POA). By doing so, […]
May 11, 2018
Patients with wounds usually have multiple medical problems, and often the other diagnoses make meeting the nutritional plan difficult, such as when the wound patient also has cancer. I often discuss the increased nutritional requirements to fuel wound healing. Patients need extra calories and protein each day, plus an adequate amount of fluids, the right […]
April 6, 2018
The use of targeted amino acids is becoming more common as a strategy to help heal a variety of conditions, including wounds, because of the role key amino acids have in rebuilding tissue. Chronic wounds, meaning those that have not healed in 12 weeks, affect approximately 6.5 million patients in the United States annually at […]
March 30, 2018
How can you create a good seal under the skin barrier of an ostomy appliance without leaving residue on the skin? In this one-minute video, WCEI Instructor Joy Hooper, RN, BSN, CWOCN, OMS, WCC discusses new products you should explore.
March 10, 2018
Wound pain is sometimes difficult to quantify, but if a patient complains of pain, this requires effective and timely pain management. In the midst of the war on narcotics, that might mean looking for alternative pain management techniques and learning new approaches. Several months ago, I was attacked by the most venomous scorpion in North […]
February 23, 2018
You’ve probably heard that it’s important to keep wounds moist and warm, But what’s the optimal temperature for healing a wound, and how do you maintain it? Read on for details. When moisture evaporates from a surface, the surface cools. Sweat operates by this principle. So, unfortunately, do wounds. Whenever a wound loses moisture, the […]
February 18, 2018
When you need extra adhesion under a skin barrier, is ostomy paste the way to go? WCEI instructor Joy Hooper sets the story straight in this short video.
February 9, 2018
Whether you are looking to increase your wound care nutrition knowledge or advance your career, a new wound care certification course for Registered Dietitians (RD) and Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN) will help you meet your goals, while improving outcomes for your wound care patients. I often get funny reactions when I tell people I specialize […]
January 19, 2018
Key Takeaways Lower extremity ulcers may require an evaluation of arterial blood flow, but the Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) can give misleading results in patients with calcified arteries due to conditions like diabetes or kidney disease. The Toe Brachial Pressure Index (TBPI) offers an effective alternative, allowing more accurate assessment of blood flow by focusing […]
January 12, 2018
Patients with diabetes are more likely to suffer many serious health issues besides foot wounds and amputations. This makes it imperative that they resolve to get their blood glucose levels under control. All of the lawsuits I review have a common theme. The plaintiff suffers from a chronic wound and some degree of malnutrition and/or […]