Learning Objectives

After completing this course you’ll be able to:

1. Explain the anatomy of the skin and point out the two layers and various strata.
2. Classify wounds, ulcers and burns by their characteristics.
3. List 6 functions of the skin.
4. Explain the three-phase wound healing process.
5. Describe 3 types of wound repair.
6. Identify local and systemic factors that impede wound healing.
7. List 5 most common wound-healing complications.
8. List 7 factors that you should include in assessing and documenting wounds.
9. Describe 3 types of wound classification systems.
10. Understand wound etiology based on cause, underlying medical conditions and treatment to date.
11. Classify wounds by stages, thickness and color.
12. Distinguish among arterial, diabetic and venous ulcers on the basis of predisposing factors,
13. Demonstrate wound depth measuring technique.
14. Explain wound and skin assessment technique.
15. Define the goal in wound care.
16. List 6 parameters that you would consider in selecting an ideal dressing.
17. Demonstrate swab-culturing technique.
18. List 4 common antiseptic solutions, their actions and special considerations in their application.
19. Demonstrate irrigating with a piston syringe and catheter.
20. Describe and distinguish between enzymatic and mechanical debridement.
21. Demonstrate wound-cleaning technique.
22. Demonstrate the technique for packing a wound and outline the procedure for wound pouching.
23. Outline 6 guidelines to apply a new dressing.
24. Identify 15 categories of patients who are at risk for pressure ulcers.
25. Point out common pressure ulcer sites in various anatomic locations that are susceptible to pressure ulcer formation.
26. Describe at least 3 commonly-used scales for pressure ulcer formation risk assessment.
27. Guide through an algorithm to effectively assess, plan, intervene and evaluate wounds.
28. Prescribe a turning and repositioning schedule for the patient.
29. Provide 9 interventions to effectively manage a pressure ulcer.
30. Compare 6 classes of support surfaces in managing pressure ulcers.
31. Select appropriate support surfaces to match the patient's needs.
32. Explain advantages and disadvantages of support surfaces.
33. List at least 12 categories under which wound care products are grouped.
34. Select a wide assortment of wound care products in 12 categories, such as alginates, collagens, foams, hydrogels, etc.
35. For each wound care product identify the manufacturer, and describe how it is supplied, its action, indications, contraindications, application and removal.