Risk Factors for Developing Wounds

Question 1

Age

Answer 1

• the epidermis thins and flattens as part of the aging process, making it more fragile and susceptible to injury from friction and shear
• decreased metabolism in older adults is also correlated with a decrease in the overall rate of wound healing

Question 2

co-morbidities

Answer 2

• cardiopulmonary disease, vascular conditions, and diabetes
• attributes to poor tissue perfusion which limits the wounds ability to sustain cellular activity
• some can suppress or compromise the immune system can result in altered inflammatory responses and increased risk of infection

Question 3

edema

Answer 3

• increased tissue pressure from excessive edema can negatively impact both tissue perfusion and the removal of cellular waste
• this decreases the availability of oxygen and nutrients thus delaying healing and increasing the risk of infection

Question 4

harsh or inappropriate wound care

Answer 4

• vigorous wound irrigation, aggressive debridement, prolonged whirlpool exposure or the use of harsh cleaning techniques and agents can impair healing by further damaging peripheral and granulating tissues

Question 5

infection

Answer 5

• negatively impacts the restorative processes necessary for wound healing
• immune responses become overwhelmed as infectious bacteria compete with the bodys own cells for available nutrients
• infection bacteria can also release toxins into the wound causing further tissue damage and increasing the rate of cellular necrosis

Question 6

lifestyle

Answer 6

• regular physical activity and good nutrition facilitate wound healing by enhancing tissue perfusion and the availability of nutrients needed to sustain cellular activity
• smoking impedes wound healing by limiting the bloods oxygen carrying capacity
• this creates an ideal environment for anaerobic bacteria growth, thereby increasing the risk of wound infection

Question 7

medication

Answer 7

• anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, anti-coagulant, antineoplastic, steroid, and oral contraceptives can negatively impact wound healing
• can cause poor or prolonged inflammatory response, reduced blood supply, delayed collagen synthesis, and decreased tensile strength of repaired tissues

Question 8

obesity

Answer 8

• poor periwound skin quality is susceptible to fissuring which increases the risk of wound infection
• increased skin tension heightens the risk of skin tears and limits options for reapproximation
• large skin folds create moist warm environments contributing to skin maceration and bacterial growth which may lead to both the onset and perpetuation of wounds in skin crevasses

Question 9

Braden Scale

Answer 9

• It is recommended that individuals who score an 18 or less on the Braden scale be placed on a pressure injury prevention program.
• The scale assesses sensory perception, moisture, activity, mobility, nutrition, and friction and shear.
• Each section of assessment is scored from one to four with the exception of friction and shear, which is scored one to three.
• The maximum score on the Braden scale is 23.

Question 10

What is the bacterial agent commonly responsible for skin infection?

Answer 10

staphylococcus aureus