To identify early if a surgical wound is at risk of postoperative complications, RVNs need to be aware of risk factors that can increase complication rates for the patient before any surgery is...
As stated above checklists are a cognitive tool to prompt practitioners and ensure vital steps are not missed in an effort to minimise errors. Typically created alongside an evidence-based protocol,...
Lavage is fundamental in breaking down bacterial biofilms, which occur when a group of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses) attach themselves to a surface to create a colony,...
The inflammatory phase is the initial stage of wound healing and is initiated immediately an injury occurs. Haemostasis is triggered to stop haemorrhage and inflammatory mediators are called to the...
Biofilms are found on a variety of living and non-living surfaces; recent studies have shown that biofilms can present on numerous medical consumables and devices, such as urinary catheters,...
The use of honey has featured throughout history with links to religion, cult and mythology, but probably one of the most prominent uses has been medicinally. The medicinal use of honey has been noted...
A wound is defined as an injury where there is a forcible break in the soft tissues, including open wounds and closed wounds where there is damage below the surface (Ousten, 2011)..
For any patient presenting with trauma, the initial physical examination or primary survey and assessment needs to be undertaken with a rapid and systematic approach, which will at times require...
The reason flaps heal more consistently than grafts is that they are not reliant on the recipient bed for their nutrients, carrying a blood supply with them (Aper and Smeak, 2003). The nature of that...
There are 12 key factors which can inhibit healing of equine wounds. These are infection, movement, foreign bodies, necrotic tissue, continued trauma, paucity of blood supply, poor oxygen supply, poor...