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Factors to focus on

Article Abstract:

Nurses can influence wound healing by an awareness of possible problems. Malnutrition delays healing therefore a balanced diet including carbohydrates, proteins, fats and vitamins is necessary. Wounds require oxygen for effective healing, therefore giving up smoking should ensure a well-oxygenated blood supply. However, hyperbaric oxygen treatment may be necessary for potentially slow-healing wounds. A knowledge of the influence of drugs on healing is essential.

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Outside influences

Article Abstract:

Twenty-four nurses participated in a group interview to explain inconsistent treatment in wound management. Nurses were required to comment on two situations demonstrating conflicting attitudes towards wound management and to explain how they decided which dressing to use. Nurses were knowledgeable about appropriate treatment but were often unwilling to make a decision. Lack of inter-personal skills prevented them from challenging outdated ideas.

Methods, Nurses, Nursing

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Healing physiology

Article Abstract:

There three different ways of wound healing: primary intention, secondary intention and tertiary intention. Primary intention is appropriate for clean surgical incisions and fresh traumatic wounds. In secondary intention the edges of the wound cannot be approximated, and it is left open to heal. In tertiary intention the methods used in primary intention are postponed while another problem, such as infection or poor circulation, is solved.

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