Lesson 1When and how to use diagnostic tests: wound cultures, imaging for osteomyelitis (X-ray, MRI, bone scan)Learn when diagnostic tests are truly helpful in wound care. Covers proper swab methods, best imaging for bone infections, and working with radiology and infection experts for focused treatment.
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 mappingFocuses on checking nerve damage in wound patients. Details simple monofilament tests, vibration checks, position sense, mapping feeling loss, and recording to spot ulceration risks early.
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 conceptsCovers fluid amount, colour, thickness, smell checks, and timing. Reviews wound and body-wide infection clues, hidden infections, and slimy biofilms to decide on swabs and bug-killing plans.
Classifying exudate type, color, and amountAssessing odor after cleansing and debridementLocal and systemic signs of wound infectionCritical colonization versus contaminationBiofilm formation, impact, and disruptionWhen to obtain wound cultures safelyLesson 4Tissue types and wound bed descriptors: granulation, slough, necrosis, epithelializationExplains main wound bed tissues and what they mean. Includes pink granulation, yellow slough, black dead tissue, new skin growth, and bare bits, with tips on estimating amounts for 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 documentationTackles full pain checks for wounds and treatments. Covers sharp or nerve pain types, scales, timing around dressings, and notes to guide pain relief and other comforts.
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, tunneling, undermining, and staging/classificationStep-by-step wound checks: spot, measure length-width-depth, tunnels, edges lifting, tracks, and types to get steady, repeatable results every time.
Anatomic location and wound etiology cluesLinear, clock-face, and digital measurementsMeasuring depth and wound volumeIdentifying and measuring underminingIdentifying and measuring tunneling tractsSelecting appropriate classification systemsLesson 7Pressure injury staging and skin failure distinctionsCovers pressure sore stages, deep damage, ungradable wounds. Clears up skin breakdown at end-of-life, tube sores, to get right labels and solid 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 statusStructured check of body and local risks for wounds. Looks at other illnesses, drugs, tobacco, movement, bladder/bowel control, mind state to shape outlook and personal care.
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)Bedside blood flow checks for healing odds. Pulses, warmth, swelling, ABI ratios, toe squeezes, skin oxygen levels, with warnings, readings, and when to send for scans.
Inspection for color, hair loss, and edemaPalpation 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)Key rules for wound notes and permissions. Checks understanding, consent for cleaning or fancy treatments, refusal records, tips to dodge court troubles.
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 statusNutrition checks, hunger signs, blood tests like albumin, prealbumin, CRP patterns, fluid balance to link with nutritionists quick for better healing.
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 12Standardized documentation and wound photography: measurement techniques and electronic medical record integrationStandard notes, proven tools, photo rules. Measures, labels, consents, links to digital files for smooth handovers and court-proof records.
Required elements of a wound noteUsing validated assessment tools and scalesBest practices for wound photographyLighting, positioning, and scale placementLabeling, consent, and privacy safeguardsEMR templates and smart phrases use
