Lesson 1When and how to use diagnostic tests: wound cultures, imaging for osteomyelitis (X-ray, MRI, bone scan)This lesson explains when diagnostic tests are beneficial in wound management. It covers proper methods for taking cultures, selecting imaging for possible bone infections, and working with radiology and infection experts for focused treatment approaches.
Indications for quantitative wound culturesSwab versus tissue and bone biopsy methodsPlain radiographs for chronic bone changesMRI for early osteomyelitis detectionRole of nuclear medicine bone scansInterpreting results with clinical findingsLesson 2Neuropathy evaluation: monofilament testing, vibration testing, and sensory mappingThis lesson concentrates on assessing nerve damage in patients with wounds. It describes techniques using monofilament, vibration and balance tests, sensory mapping, and recording to identify risks of sores and injuries effectively.
History clues for neuropathy and riskMonofilament selection and test techniqueVibration testing with tuning fork or deviceProprioception and position sense checksSensory mapping and protective loss zonesDocumenting neuropathy severity and impactLesson 3Exudate assessment and odor evaluation; infection signs and biofilm conceptsThis lesson examines wound fluid levels, colours, textures, along with smell checks and timing. It discusses signs of local and body-wide infections, hidden infections, and biofilm effects to inform culture tests and anti-infection treatments.
Classifying exudate type, colour, and amountAssessing odour after cleansing and debridementLocal and systemic signs of wound infectionCritical colonisation versus contaminationBiofilm formation, impact, and disruptionWhen to obtain wound cultures safelyLesson 4Tissue types and wound bed descriptors: granulation, slough, necrosis, epithelialisationThis lesson identifies main tissue types in wounds and their significance. It includes healthy growth tissue, slough, dead tissue, new skin formation, and visible structures, stressing precise estimates and effects on care plans.
Healthy versus hypergranulation tissueCharacteristics of slough and fibrinDry versus moist necrosis and escharEpithelial edge and island formationExposed bone, tendon, and hardwareEstimating tissue type percentagesLesson 5Pain assessment specific to wounds and procedures; use of pain scales and timing documentationThis lesson tackles thorough pain checks tailored to wounds and treatments. It reviews pain types, scales, timing during bandage changes, and records to direct pain relief and non-drug methods in patient care.
Types of wound-related pain descriptorsSelecting age-appropriate pain scalesBaseline, procedural, and breakthrough painTiming assessment with dressing changesNonpharmacologic pain management optionsDocumenting response to interventionsLesson 6Systematic wound assessment: size, depth, tunnelling, undermining, and staging/classificationThis lesson offers a step-by-step method for wound checks, covering position, measurements, depth, and tissue layers. It includes tunnels, edges, tracts, and categories for consistent and repeatable sizing in practice.
Anatomic location and wound etiology cluesLinear, clock-face, and digital measurementsMeasuring depth and wound volumeIdentifying and measuring underminingIdentifying and measuring tunnelling tractsSelecting appropriate classification systemsLesson 7Pressure injury staging and skin failure distinctionsThis lesson covers stages of pressure sores, deep tissue damage, and unclassifiable wounds per guidelines. It clarifies skin breakdown, end-stage ulcers, and device injuries for better classification and strong records.
NPIAP staging I–IV and unstageable criteriaDeep tissue pressure injury recognitionMedical device–related pressure injury featuresMoisture-associated skin damage versus pressureSkin failure and Kennedy terminal ulcerDocumentation to support accurate stagingLesson 8Risk factor review during assessment: comorbidities, medications, smoking, mobility, continence, cognitive statusThis lesson directs a full review of body and local risks for wounds. It addresses health conditions, drugs, habits like smoking, movement, bladder control, and mental state to shape outlook and personal care plans.
Key comorbidities impacting healingMedication review and anticoagulantsSmoking, alcohol, and substance useMobility, offloading, and support surfacesContinence, moisture, and skin integrityCognition, adherence, and caregiver supportLesson 9Vascular assessment: arterial and venous exam, ankle-brachial index (ABI), toe pressures, transcutaneous oxygen (TcPO2)This lesson describes simple vascular checks for wound recovery potential. It includes pulse feels, warmth, swelling, ABI, toe checks, and oxygen levels, with warnings, readings, and when to send for specialist tests.
Inspection for colour, hair loss, and oedemaPalpation of pedal and popliteal pulsesAnkle-brachial index technique and limitsToe pressures and toe-brachial index useTranscutaneous oxygen measurement basicsWhen to refer for vascular consultationLesson 10Legal and ethical documentation considerations and informed consent for procedures (debridement, advanced therapies)This lesson outlines laws and morals for wound records and permissions. It covers ability checks, consents for cleaning and advanced treatments, refusal notes, and ways to lower legal risks in care delivery.
Elements of legally sound documentationCapacity, surrogates, and shared decisionsInformed consent for debridement optionsConsent for advanced and device therapiesDocumenting refusal and risk discussionsManaging conflicts and protecting patientsLesson 11Nutrition screening for wound healing: malnutrition indicators, key labs (albumin, prealbumin, CRP) and hydration statusThis lesson reviews food checks, poor nutrition signs, and important blood tests. It explains reading protein and inflammation levels, plus water balance, to arrange quick referrals and boost recovery ability.
Nutrition screening tools and red flagsClinical signs of protein–calorie malnutritionInterpreting albumin and prealbumin trendsRole of CRP and inflammation in labsAssessing hydration and fluid balanceWhen to refer to dietitian servicesLesson 12Standardised documentation and wound photography: measurement techniques and electronic medical record integrationThis lesson covers uniform record elements, proven tools, and photo rules. It reviews sizing methods, photo labels, consents, and links to digital records for ongoing care and legal protection.
Required elements of a wound noteUsing validated assessment tools and scalesBest practices for wound photographyLighting, positioning, and scale placementLabelling, consent, and privacy safeguardsEMR templates and smart phrases use
