Wound Care & Skin Integrity Flashcards

How often should a bedridden patient typically be repositioned to help prevent pressure injuries?

Answer: Every 2 hours

Standard practice recommends repositioning immobile patients at least every 2 hours to relieve sustained pressure and restore blood flow to at-risk tissues.

Which bony area is at highest risk for pressure injury development in a patient who lies on their back (supine)?

Answer: Sacrum and coccyx

The sacrum and coccyx bear the greatest pressure in the supine position because they are prominent bony areas with limited padding and direct contact with the mattress.

What type of dressing is designed to maintain a moist wound environment to promote healing?

Answer: Hydrocolloid or moisture-retentive dressing

Hydrocolloid and other moisture-retentive dressings maintain a moist wound environment, which has been shown to accelerate cell migration and wound healing.

What is the primary purpose of wound irrigation?

Answer: To remove debris, bacteria, and exudate from the wound bed

Wound irrigation uses a gentle stream of fluid (usually sterile saline) to remove debris, bacteria, and loose tissue from the wound, reducing infection risk.

Which skin condition is characterized by redness, warmth, and weeping in skin folds, and is commonly seen in overweight patients or those with incontinence?

Answer: Intertrigo

Intertrigo is a skin inflammation occurring in warm, moist body folds where skin rubs together; it is worsened by moisture, heat, and friction, common in skin folds of overweight or incontinent patients.

When changing a wound dressing, which personal protective equipment (PPE) should a healthcare aide use at minimum?

Answer: Gloves only

Gloves are the minimum required PPE for all dressing changes to protect both the patient and the aide; additional PPE is added if splashing or heavy drainage is anticipated.

A patient's wound drainage appears green and has a foul odor. What should the healthcare aide do?

Answer: Note the color and odor and immediately report the findings to the supervising nurse

Green, foul-smelling drainage is a sign of possible infection and must be reported to the nurse immediately so appropriate clinical intervention can be ordered.