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 · Sep 2011
Comparative StudypH in the bacteria-contaminated wound and its impact on clostridium histolyticum collagenase activity: implications for the use of collagenase wound debridement agents.
We sought to understand the influence of pH on Clostridium collagenase activity, using both in vitro and in vivo, and to understand the influence of bacterial contamination on pH in vivo. ⋯ The data demonstrate that wound pH in a model of contaminated pig wounds is alkaline during the first 10 days of healing. As healing progresses, pH decreases with no significant change in the level of bacterial bioburden. C collagenase exhibited robust activity in the pH range found in this contaminated pig wound model, suggesting it can effectively debride necrotic tissue in the environment found in most chronic wounds in humans.
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J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs · Sep 2011
Comparative StudySkin blood flow response to 2-hour repositioning in long-term care residents: a pilot study.
The purpose of this noninvasive pilot study was to examine the changes in transcutaneous oxygen (tcO2), skin temperature, and hyperemic response in the heels, sacrum, and trochanters in a 2-hour loading-unloading condition in nursing home residents who are positioned in supine and lateral positions. ⋯ Two hours of staying in the supine position lowered sacral oxygenation to less than 40 mm Hg, in some subjects, regardless of whether there was adequate tcO₂ at preload. Repositioning to a lateral position after 2 hours of placement in a supine position did not cause the tcO₂ to return to preload level. The efficacy of a 2-hour repositioning schedule requires further investigation. Since heel tcO₂ was reduced after 30 minutes of loading, further work is needed to determine whether the heels should be offloaded with more frequent repositioning.
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J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs · Mar 2011
Recognizing hospital-acquired burn injury in patients after coronary artery bypass surgery.
Nosocomial injury is a constant threat in the hospital setting. While there is growing awareness surrounding hospital-acquired pressure ulcers, little information is available on burns associated with intraoperative procedures. ⋯ Differentiating between hospital-acquired pressure ulcers and burns can be difficult. Our facility's experience with intraoperative burn injuries now mandates that this etiologic factor be considered in the differential diagnosis of postoperative patients with atypical cutaneous injuries.
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J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs · Jan 2011
Itch: association with chronic venous disease, pain, and quality of life.
The purpose of the study was to examine the symptom of itch and its relationship with chronic venous disease, pain, and quality of life. ⋯ Itch on the legs or feet is a clinically relevant problem that is related to the level of venous disease. Persons with lower extremity itch have higher pain ratings and lower quality of life.