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A comprehensive wound infection prevention and treatment plan should develop from a holistic assessment.
With a holistic approach, proper assessment and early intervention, many problems can be avoided, and clinical outcomes improved.7,3
- Patient Risk Factors: Evaluate the patient's overall health, including comorbidities such as diabetes, vascular diseases, and immune status, which can increase the risk of wound infection.
- Wound Characteristics: Examine the wound's size, depth, location, and signs of infection (e.g., redness, warmth, swelling, pus).
- Infection Indicators: Use clinical tools to identify infection risks, such as increased pain, delayed healing, and systemic symptoms like fever.
To assess the wound infection, use tools such as the Triangle of Wound Assessment, as this extends the concepts of wound preparation and other assessment tools to beyond the wound edge.
Use the Triangle of Wound Assessment to ascertain the respective stafe of wound infection in your patients wound.
Infection is a common wound complication and often difficult to identify.1,2
In the event of an infection:
- Wound healing is delayed.3
- The patient's quality of life can be adversely impacted.4-6
- Treatment costs rise.7,4
- Wound management practices become more resource demanding.7
Preparation is key when managing wounds
Preparing the wound by cleansing and debridement prior to applying a dressing has positive results because the treatment speeds up wound healing8,9.
- Wound Cleaning: Cleanse the wound using appropriate solutions to remove debris, bacteria, and dead tissue. This step is crucial to prevent infection and promote healing.
- Debridement: Perform debridement to remove necrotic tissue, which can harbor bacteria and impede healing. Use methods suitable for the patient's condition, such as autolytic, enzymatic, or surgical debridement.
- Skin Protection: Protect the surrounding skin with barrier creams or films to prevent maceration and further infection.
- Antimicrobial Dressings: Apply dressings with antimicrobial properties to reduce bacterial load and prevent infection. Options include silver, iodine, or honey-based dressings.
- Moisture Balance: Use dressings that maintain an optimal moisture balance to support healing and prevent infection. Hydrocolloid, foam, and alginate dressings are effective choices.
- Monitoring and Adjustment: Regularly monitor the wound for signs of infection and healing progress. Adjust the treatment plan as needed based on the patient's response and any changes in the wound condition.