Wound care requires careful assessment, appropriate treatment, and attention to changes in the wound and surrounding skin. When ordered and appropriate, our skilled nurses provide wound-related care according to the established treatment plan. We also document relevant findings and communicate concerns when healing does not appear to be progressing as expected.
How Wound Care Supports Healing
Consistent wound care can help keep treatment organized while giving the healthcare team information about changes that may require attention.
We follow the prescribed wound-care regimen and dressing instructions.
We assess relevant wound characteristics during applicable nursing visits.
We monitor surrounding skin for changes that may require communication.
We document appropriate findings to support continuity of care.
We communicate concerning changes to the appropriate healthcare professional.
Wound-Care Activities
The exact treatment depends on the wound, medical orders, supplies, and individualized plan of care.
Wound assessment: We observe and document relevant characteristics of the wound according to the clinical plan.
Dressing changes: We provide ordered dressing changes using the supplies and technique specified for the client.
Skin monitoring: We observe surrounding skin for changes that may warrant clinical attention.
Infection monitoring: We watch for relevant signs that should be communicated to the healthcare team.
Care education: We explain appropriate wound-care instructions to clients or caregivers when education is part of the plan.
Our Approach To Wound Care
We begin with the treatment instructions and clinical information provided for the individual wound. During care, our nurses follow the prescribed procedure, document relevant findings, and watch for changes that may require follow-up. We do not independently alter a wound-treatment plan; changes in treatment are directed through the appropriate healthcare professional.