Wound Care & Management:
Best Practices and Innovative
Solutions
An Overview for Effective Clinical Practice
Presenter: [Your Name]
Date: [Presentation Date]
Introduction
What is a Wound?
Disruption of anatomical and cellular tissue continuity:
May result from physical injury, thermal damage, or underlying
conditions
Wound Healing Process:
Four phases:
Hemostasis, Inflammatory, Proliferative, Remodeling.
Anatomy of the Skin
Epidermis:
Outermost protective layer; consists of stratum basale, spinosum, lucidum, and
corneum
Dermis:
Tough layer with collagen, elastin, blood vessels, glands, and nerve endings
Hypodermis (Subcutaneous):
Insulates and protects; stores energy
Note: The skin is the body’s largest organ, regulating temperature and sensation.
Definition of Wound
Wound:
A breach in the skin’s continuity due to external force or
underlying conditionsInvolves damage to the epidermis
and possibly deeper tissues
Clinical Implication:
Disruption affects normal skin function and healing.
Classification & Types of Wounds
Acute Wounds:
• Sudden injuries (e.g., cuts, lacerations, abrasions, burns, surgical wounds) Heal
by first intention (4–6 weeks) .
Chronic Wounds:
• Do not heal within 6 weeks; may persist for months
• Often related to poor blood circulation, infection, or immune compromise.
Types Include:
Laceration, puncture, avulsion, burn, traumatic, diabetic foot ulcer, venous stasis,
abrasion, pressure ulcer, arterial insufficiency ulcer, bruise, infected wound,
amputation, animal bite, electric injury, incision, malignant wound, skin tearing.
Signs & Symptoms of Wound
Infection
• Redness (discoloration) and swelling
• Pain and fever (temperature spike 38–39°C)
• Exudate: Pus, cloudy fluid, or bad odor
• Increased wound size/depth
• Swollen lymph nodes; chills or rigor
Factors Affecting Wound Healing
Local Factors:
• Infection, necrotic tissue, foreign bodies
• Poor blood supply, venous/lymph stasis, tissue tension,
hematoma, recurrent trauma, irradiated area
Systemic Factors
• Age, gender, stress, ischemia, chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes)
• Hereditary disorders, alcoholism, smoking, immune
compromise, nutritional status
Wound Hygiene
Purpose:
Clean and decontaminate the wound; remove biofilm
4-Step Regimen:
1. Cleanse: Remove devitalized tissue, debris, and biofilm from wound
and periwound skin
2. Debride: Remove necrotic tissue using appropriate debridement
methods (autolytic, mechanical, enzymatic, sharp)
3. Refashion Edges: Remove necrotic or overhanging tissue to align
wound edges
4. Dress: Use dressings with anti‑biofilm/antimicrobial agents
Basic Wound Care
Immediate Actions:
• Clean with clean water and mild soap (avoid harsh agents like
hydrogen peroxide)
• Remove visible debris and apply a cold, wet cloth if needed
Ongoing Care:
• Use a thin layer of antibiotic ointment (e.g., bacitracin or
Neosporin)
• Cover with a bandage; clean and redress twice daily
• Seek professional care for deep or gaping wounds
7 Steps for Wound Care
1. Wash Your Hands: Ensure aseptic conditions (use sterile
gloves/instruments)
2. Stop the Bleeding: Apply pressure and elevate the wound if possible
3. Clean the Wound: Rinse with running water (or normal saline); avoid
direct soap contact
4. Apply Antibacterial Ointment: Use for minor wounds to prevent infection
5. Protect the Wound: Cover with a sterile dressing secured by a bandage
6. Change the Dressing: At least once daily; monitor healing
7. Observe Symptoms: Watch for signs of infection (severe pain, bad odor,
abnormal discharge)
Principles of Wound Management
• Comprehensive assessment and exclusion of underlying
disease
• Regular wound cleaning and timely dressing changes
• Selecting appropriate dressings and considering
antibiotics when necessary
• Establishing clear treatment goals based on wound
assessment
Remember: Effective management requires more than
“dressing, dressing, dressing”
Nursing Management of Patients
with Wounds
Key Components:
• Regular observation and wound assessment
• Cleaning, debridement, and proper dressing techniques
• Infection control and pain management
• Nutritional and dietary support
• Patient reassurance and health education
• Coordination of medication and follow-up care
Maximizing Healthcare Outcomes in
Low-Resource Settings
Challenges:
• Inadequate training, poor resource access, and financial
limitations
• Lack of standardization and infrastructure delays
• Workforce shortages and cultural misconceptions
Best Practices:
• Evidence-based, cost-effective, and sustainable interventions
• Tailor solutions to address cultural and logistical challenges
Strategies for Implementing Best
Practices
Collaborative Approaches:
• Engage local and global stakeholders
• Provide ongoing education and training for healthcare workers
Standardization:
• Develop uniform protocols and procedures
• Leverage low-cost, effective interventions
Technology & Community Engagement:
• Utilize mobile health, telemedicine, and electronic health records
• Foster community-based initiatives for prevention and early intervention
Compression Therapy
Purpose:
• Prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and manage chronic
edema
• Methods:
• Use compression stockings, bandages, and Coban
• Graduated pressure: Highest at the ankle, lower at the calf
• Application:
• Suitable for both bed-bound and ambulatory patients
Do’s & Don’ts of Wound Dressing
• Do’s:
• Wash hands and maintain aseptic technique
• Use sterile or disposable gloves; prepare your dressing tray
• Document assessments and progress (photos can help)
• Respect patient privacy and maintain a clean environment
• Don’ts:
• Do not use unsterile materials or improvise dressings
• Avoid letting the wound dry out excessively
• Do not perform surgical debridement unless qualifed
Challenges of Wound Dressing
• Limited knowledge of infection prevention
• Inconsistent wound assessment protocols
• Over-reliance on traditional healers in rural areas
• Poor compliance and inappropriate debridement
techniques
• Financial constraints and limited access to specialists
Complications of Wound Dressing
• Infection and wound dehiscence
• Scarring and keloid formation
• Delayed healing and gangrene
• Deformity, amputation, and social/psychological
impacts (depression, loss of job)
Conclusion
• Key Takeaways:
• A scientific, updated approach is crucial for effective
wound care
• Appropriate product selection and timely management
improve healing outcomes
• Integration of advanced wound care practices can
bridge the gap in knowledge and practice
"If there is a will, there is a way” – continuous
improvement in practice is essential
References
Oluwatosin A.M. – Care of Wound Bed Assessment
Professor Iyun A.O., UCH Ibadan
Nurse Babalola E.O., OAU Ile-Ife, Osun State
Dr. Achibong, FMC Ebute Metta
Dr. Mrs. Kemi Ogunwusi
Dr. Oyinloye
Maxson S., Lopez E.A., Yoo D
Song H., Tikom Dj., Hager S., Hauser J. – “Skin Wound Healing:
Update on Current Knowledge and Concepts (2017)”
