Risk Assessment

By Cathy Wogamon, DNP, MSN, FNP-BC, CWON, CFCN

A pilonidal cyst is a pocket located at the top of the cleft of the buttocks that usually results from an embedded or stiff hair. This area may remain dormant for years and cause no major issues; however, often the embedded or stiff hair may cause the cyst to become inflamed and infected, resulting in an abscess that requires incision to drain the infected material. These abscesses can recur, causing the patient to require surgical intervention to remove the cyst. After surgery, some patients tend not to heal well, resulting in a chronic tracking wound in an area that is difficult to heal.

by Heidi H. Cross, MSN, RN, FNP-BC, CWON

When looking at medical charts from a legal perspective, one of the areas closely scrutinized is the risk assessment for skin breakdown and pressure ulcer development. Completing a risk assessment is considered a standard of care. Was the patient adequately assessed, and was this done in a timely fashion? Was it repeated at regular intervals, with a change in condition, or on readmission? Do scores seem appropriate for the patient's condition? Is there consistency among health practitioners? Were the results used to institute evidence-based and appropriate prevention and treatment measures and care plans? Or do the results seem to simply languish in the chart? What are the standards of care related to this?

by the WoundSource Editors

By Samantha Kuplicki MSN, APRN-CNS, AGNCS-BC, CWCN-AP, CWS, RNFA, CFCN

By Holly Hovan MSN, APRN, CWOCN-AP

By Holly Hovan MSN, APRN, CWOCN-AP

Part 4 in a series analyzing the use of the Braden Scale for Predicting Pressure Sore Risk® in the long-term care setting. For Part 1, click here. For Part 2, click here. For Part 3, click here.

By Holly Hovan MSN, APRN, CWOCN-AP

Part 3 in a series analyzing the use of the Braden Scale for Predicting Pressure Sore Risk® in the long-term care setting. For Part 1, click here. For Part 2, click here.

By Holly Hovan MSN, APRN, CWOCN-AP

A series analyzing the use of the Braden Scale for Predicting Pressure Sore Risk® in the long-term care setting. For part 1, click here.

By Holly Hovan MSN, APRN, CWOCN-AP

A series analyzing the use of the Braden Scale for Predicting Pressure Sore Risk® in the long-term care setting. For Part 2, click here.

by Margaret Heale, RN, MSc, CWOCN