Obesity

by the WoundSource Editors

Palliative care and hospice care are not the same, but they both share one goal. They both focus on a patient's physical, mental, social, and spiritual needs. Palliative care can begin at diagnosis and treatment or for patients at any stage of their illness. Patients may not want to receive aggressive treatment of non-healing wounds because of underlying diseases, pain, and/or cost.

By Susan Cleveland, BSN, RN, WCC, CDP, NADONA Board Secretary

Part 2 in a two-part series looking at the basics of correctly using support surfaces to help redistribute pressure. Read Part 1 here.

By Sharon Baranoski, MSN, RN, CWCN, APN-CCNS, FAAN and Kimberly LeBlanc, PhD, RN, WOCC©, IIWCC

Editor's note:This blog post is part of the WoundSource Trending Topics series, bringing you insight into the latest clinical issues and advancement in wound management, with contributions by the WoundSource Editorial Advisory Board.

by Martha Kelso, RN, HBOT

by Nancy Munoz, DCN, MHA, RDN, FAND

By Martin D. Vera LVN, CWS

In this last of our three-part series on lower extremity wounds, we will focus our attention on diabetic foot/neuropathic ulcers. Research indicates that the United States national average for diabetes mellitus (DM) accounts for a little over 8% of the nation, or roughly over 18 million Americans afflicted with this disease—what the industry refers to "the silent killer" for the amount of damage it causes. DM has the capacity to affect vision and circulation, as well as increase the incidence of stroke and renal disease, just to name a few associated problems. Over 20% of individuals with diabetes will develop ulcerations, with a recurrence rate of over 50% for diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) alone. Overall, lower extremity wounds have recurrence rate of 40-90%. We have our work cut out for us. So, let's put our deuces up, recognize early intervention, and try our best to manage and prevent complications associated with DM.

By Mary Ellen Posthauer RDN, CD, LD, FAND

"I know Susie Q has a stage IV pressure ulcer on her sacrum but she is obese so she certainly doesn't need any more calories." Clinicians and family members often articulate this statement about obese individuals. Another common occurrence is the failure to notify the registered dietitian when an obese patient has an unplanned, significant weight loss of 5% or more in 30 days or has an insidious weight loss over time. The key word is unplanned and not a result of edema.

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

Obesity has become a major problem in our society. According to the CDC Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity, more than one-third of adults in the United States are considered obese (CDC, 2015). Obesity is known to complicate a number of health issues, including wound healing. How exactly does obesity impact wound healing? Let’s discuss.