Journal of wound, ostomy, and continence nursing : official publication of The Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society
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J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs · Jan 2011
Hospital-acquired pressure ulcer prevalence--evaluating low-air-loss beds.
Higher-category pressure redistribution mattresses are considered a critical component of a pressure ulcer prevention program, but few studies have quantified the impact of specific preventive measures on the incidence or prevalence of hospital-acquired pressure ulcers (HAPUs). Therefore, this study was undertaken to determine the impact of low-air-loss beds on HAPU prevalence. ⋯ The prevalence of HAPU in patients placed on low-air-loss beds was no different from patients placed on standard hospital mattresses supplemented by a variety of pressure redistribution devices. Further research is needed to determine the impact of specific strategies on prevention of HAPU.
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J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs · Sep 2010
Comparative StudyAssessment of nurses' knowledge and practice in prevention and management of deep tissue injury and stage I pressure ulcer.
The aim of this descriptive study was to determine nurses' knowledge and usual practice in prevention and management of deep tissue injury (DTI) and stage I pressure ulcers (PUs). ⋯ The nurses in this study tended to lack sufficient knowledge regarding prevention and management of DTI and stage I PUs.
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J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs · Jul 2010
ReviewSurgical treatment of patients with peritoneal surface malignancy: cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.
A peritoneal surface malignancy is one of an assortment of tumors that result in widespread peritoneal involvement, can affect multiple organs, and may arise from the appendix, colon, rectum, stomach, ovaries, or peritoneal lining. The combined treatment modality of cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy has gained recognition as a promising, potentially life-extending surgical treatment option for the management of peritoneal surface malignancies. This type of surgical treatment is not without risks and complications, often resulting in the formation of fistulas and the need for a diverting ostomy. This article presents a review of peritoneal surface malignancies, cytoreductive surgery, the perioperative management of the surgical patient with focus on complications and implications for the WOC nurse providing care for patients undergoing this complex surgical treatment.
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J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs · May 2010
Providing palliative care to seriously ill patients with nonhealing wounds.
Patients may experience wounds at or near the end of life that are difficult to treat and may not be amenable to healing. In these cases, hospice and palliative care may be considered. ⋯ Treatment goals for nonhealing wounds at the end of life include managing exudate, controlling odor, maximizing mobility and function, preventing infection, and controlling pain and other symptoms. Complementary components of palliative care are also instituted including communication and psychosocial support for patients and families.