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 useful in wound care. It covers proper methods for taking cultures, selecting imaging for possible bone infections like osteomyelitis, 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 mappingThis lesson centres on checking peripheral nerve damage in patients with wounds. It explains how to use monofilament for testing, vibration and position sense checks, mapping sensation areas, and recording to assess risk of sores and injuries.
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 covers evaluating wound fluid in terms of amount, colour, and thickness, along with smell checks after cleaning. It reviews signs of local and body-wide infections, serious surface growth, and biofilm effects to help decide on cultures and infection treatments.
Classifying exudate type, colour, 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, epithelializationThis lesson defines main tissue types in the wound area and what they mean clinically. It discusses healthy growth tissue, slough, dead tissue, new skin formation, and exposed parts, stressing accurate estimates of percentages 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 full pain checks tailored to wounds and treatments. It covers pain types from nerves or injury, scales for different ages, timing during bandage changes, and recording to guide pain relief and non-drug methods.
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/classificationThis lesson offers a step-by-step method for wound checks, covering position, size, depth, and tissue layers involved. It includes tracking tunnels, undercuts, side paths, and ways to classify for reliable, repeatable measures.
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 distinctionsThis lesson explores stages of pressure sores from NPIAP guidelines, deep tissue damage, and unclassifiable wounds. It clarifies skin breakdown in illness, end-stage sores, 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 guides a thorough check of body-wide and local risks for wounds. It addresses other illnesses, drugs, habits like smoking, movement ability, 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 explains simple bed checks for blood flow in wound healing. It covers pulse feels, warmth, swelling, ABI ratios, toe pressures, and skin oxygen levels, including when not to use, reading results, and when to send for specialist tests.
Inspection for colour, 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)This lesson outlines rules and morals for wound records and permissions. It covers checking patient understanding, consent for cleaning dead tissue and advanced treatments, recording refusals, and ways to lower legal risks.
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 tools for checking nutrition, signs of poor feeding, and important blood tests. It explains reading trends in proteins like albumin and prealbumin, plus swelling markers, and water balance checks to arrange quick referrals and boost 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 integrationThis lesson covers standard record elements, proven tools, and photo rules. It reviews measuring methods, labelling images, getting consent, and linking to digital records for smooth care handover and legal protection.
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
