Risk of Impaired Wound Healing

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Introduction.

This report will discuss the risk of impaired wound healing, amongst patients in the community. Patients may be at risk due to increased age, malnutrition and underlying medical conditions (Timmons, 2003, White, 2008). However, this report concerns with patients’ knowledge deficit about the importance of nutrition, which may be the risk factor (Casey, 1998, Dealey, 2005, Timmons, 2003). In this respect, a management package in the form of a leaflet aimed at these patients has been prepared, (see appendix), which may improve patients’ knowledge. The report will evaluate how the risk could be minimised by using this leaflet.

The rationale for selecting the identified risk comes from observations, during community placement, where many patients had chronic wounds, which would not heal, despite nursing interventions, which is supported by Moffat (2001). Personal observations highlighted that some patients may have a knowledge deficit about the importance of balanced diet, to achieve wounds healing. However, despite nurse’s involvement in verbal health promotion, some patients were reluctant to follow nurses’ advice, which may increase their risk (Wientjes, 2008).

Methodology.

As the result of this observation a literature review was undertaken, which included RCN Journals, Library and on-line resources using key words, such as ‘delayed wound healing’. In addition, the observation on availability of health promotion tools on wound healing was carried out, within my placement. Personal observations highlighted some gaps within existing packages, aimed at patients. In addition, a literature review and observations identified that most packages are designed for nurses, rather then patients, for example, the Woun...

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.... It, also, requires patients’ cooperation and effective pain management (Gould, 1999).

Nurses may evaluate this package by undertaking observational audits, which may include accurate recording of wound presentation, measurements and photographs (Sterling, 1996). This may involve nurses using the Wound Care chart to reassess patients, within six weeks. In addition, nurses may ask questions about patients’ diet and enquire if patients have food in their fridge. In addition, nurses may check patients’ blood test results for glucose level and insufficient nutrients (Walkland, 2002). The success may be measured by the reduction of weekly visits to patients, as the result of patient cooperation.

This report highlighted that wound healing may be improved by patients education and cooperation in improving their diet (Casey, 1998, Dealey, 2005, Timmons, 2003).

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