Treat the patient not the wound. It seems simple enough, but when a wound occurs it understandably moves to the forefront of the patient’s and the medical practitioner’s mind. The successful treatment of a wound requires considering the health of the entire patient not just the wound.
Forgetting about Preexisting Conditions
Not talking about an insurance claim either. Prior to the wound what was the status of the patient’s health. Do they have an endocrine disease such as diabetes or hypothyroidism? Do they have a hematologic condition such as anemia?
These common conditions might prevent the patient from healing properly.
Maintain a Proper Level of Nutrition
Even though the patient might not be feeling well now is not the time to go on a crash diet. Poor nutrition lacking in both protein and calories will prevent proper wound healing. It only takes of few days of barely eating for the body to begin to shut done its healing mechanisms. According to Medscape protein deficiency is a common problem that occurs in as many as 25 percent of all hospital patients.
Address deficiencies in vitamins and minerals as well.
Patients lacking in Vitamin A have limited fibronectin on the surface of the wound. This limits tissue repair and adhesion. Vitamin C is vital for collagen synthesis. The basic lesson is to ensure that the patient is eating well or it will hinder healing.
Treating a wound means more than only treating the wound. Do not forget the rest of the patient.