Wound Care

Wound Management, Products, and Support Surface Selection 241
Remember: bacteria thrive in warm, dark, and moist
environments so if dressings become wet they should
be changed (not reinforced) immediately.
— Support client’s immune system
— Continue evaluation for evidence of active infection either
local or systemic
Intervene with infection prevention techniques
• At the first encounter educate the client and caregiver that the
purpose of the outpatient or home encounters is to provide them
support until one of them is able to perform the wound care.
* Indicates acute care or skilled nursing facility initial assessment
and admission
— The practitioner develops a plan of care with the independence
of the client and caregiver as both a goal and an
outcome.
Include in the first encounter:
º Education on infection control*:
• Dressings*
• Storage
• Handwashing*
• Keeping wound covered* (if part of POC)
• Signs and symptoms of infection and to whom to
report what and when.* May have client and caregiver
keep a log of temperatures and/or other vital
signs AND include CHHA in plan of vital signs
measurement.
• Nutrition*: have client and caregiver keep a 72-hour
diet and fluid log.
• Disposal of used supplies*
• Educate* regarding all prevention techniques;
include a practice or return demonstration
• Homework*: activities the patient and caregiver are
to perform before the next visit even if that visit is
later in the day. For example, on admission the