Introduction

Figure 28.1 Welcome to where the art and science of nursing meet: caring for wounds with compassion. Providing wound care requires a knowledge base of healing pathophysiology, wound etiology, patient factors, and appropriate treatment selection. (credit: Dr. Steven Galvan/Joint Base San Antonio, Public Domain)

Chapter Outline

28.1 Cellular Response and Adaptation in Wound Healing

28.2 Wound Healing Process

28.3 Pressure Injury

28.4 Debridement

28.5 Wound Care and Dressing

28.6 Medical Management

28.7 Nursing Management and Care Plan

For nurses, wound care exemplifies the union of the art of compassion and the science of care. To best meet patient needs and provide optimal wound care, it is important to understand what is occurring beyond the surface. How does a wound heal? How do you select the best dressing or treatment among the hundreds of products? How do you know if the treatment is working? This chapter will explore inflammation in the context of healing wounds of all kinds—from the cellular level to the application of topical therapies—and the nurse’s various roles along the way to support the best outcomes possible for each patient.