Laurie Swezey's blog

By Laurie Swezey RN, BSN, CWOCN, CWS, FACCWS

Pressure ulcer risk assessment is crucial to the prevention of pressure ulcers. There are many factors which put certain patients at higher risk of developing these painful injuries that increase health care costs and lead to prolonged hospitalization, and sometimes death.

By Laurie Swezey RN, BSN, CWOCN, CWS, FACCWS

The measurement of a wound, and the plotting of its size over time, is the only estimate that can be used to accurately predict wound healing. This includes such variables as wound exudate, the presence of necrotic tissue, slough and granulation tissue, as well as undermining and tunneling.

By Laurie Swezey RN, BSN, CWOCN, CWS, FACCWS

Skin tears are a common problem among the elderly due to increased skin fragility associated with aging. Due to the increasing prevalence of this problem, and the potential for poor and/or delayed wound healing in the elderly population, nurses should be aware of prevention strategies for skin tears, as well as management of skin tears once they have occurred.

By Laurie Swezey RN, BSN, CWOCN, CWS, FACCWS

Thinking about becoming a certified wound care professional? If you have been researching your options, you may have come away more confused than ever. There are many certification bodies, all with different options and requirements, adding to the confusion surrounding wound care certification.

By Laurie Swezey RN, BSN, CWOCN, CWS, FACCWS

Many health care professionals are becoming certified as wound care providers due to the increased demand that has arisen due to the aging of the population and an increase in other wound risk factors including diabetes and obesity. With so many options available, it can be difficult to determine which wound care education course is right for you.

By Laurie Swezey RN, BSN, CWOCN, CWS, FACCWS

Necrotic tissue that is present in a wound presents a physical impediment to healing. Simply put, wounds cannot heal when necrotic tissue is present. In this article, we'll define necrotic tissue and describe ways to effect its removal from the wound bed.

By Laurie Swezey RN, BSN, CWOCN, CWS, FACCWS

Radiation is used to kill cancer cells. Unfortunately, radiation does not discriminate between cancer cells and healthy cells. Skin cells are particularly vulnerable, and almost everyone who undergoes radiation will experience some skin changes

By Laurie Swezey RN, BSN, CWOCN, CWS, FACCWS

Lymphedema can be defined as swelling of one or more limbs which may also include a portion of the corresponding trunk. Lymphedema can also affect the breast, head, neck or genitalia. It occurs when fluid and other components such as protein accumulate in the tissue spaces as a result of a disparity between the creation of interstitial fluid and its transport or movement. It may be caused by damage to the lymphatic system (i.e., as a result of cancer treatment) or as the result of a congenital malformation of the lymphatic system. It is a chronic condition with no cure, but it can be managed if diagnosed early on.

By Laurie Swezey RN, BSN, CWOCN, CWS, FACCWS

Dressing changes can be painful experiences for clients. Pain is often not addressed or may be addressed inadequately. Pain is a significant issue for many clients and can present a challenge to the treating practitioner.

By Laurie Swezey RN, BSN, CWOCN, CWS, FACCWS

Although the standard treatment for infected wounds continues to include antimicrobial therapy, other therapies are gaining in popularity due to the rise in antibiotic resistance. This month's blog will explore some of these alternative therapies.