Wound Care and Management
Expert-defined terms from the Professional Certificate in Minor Injuries and Illness course at UK School of Management. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Wound Care and Management Glossary #
Wound Care and Management Glossary
Wound Care and Management #
The process of assessing, treating, and monitoring wounds to promote healing and prevent complications.
Abscess #
A collection of pus that forms in tissues, organs, or spaces within the body as a result of infection.
Acute Wound #
A wound that typically heals within a predictable timeframe, such as a cut or surgical incision.
Alginate Dressing #
A type of wound dressing made from seaweed extract that forms a gel when in contact with wound exudate, promoting a moist wound environment.
Antimicrobial Dressing #
A type of wound dressing that contains agents designed to reduce or prevent microbial colonization of the wound.
Biofilm #
A complex structure formed by bacteria that can adhere to the surface of a wound, making it difficult to treat.
Chronic Wound #
A wound that fails to progress through the normal stages of wound healing within an expected timeframe, often due to underlying medical conditions.
Compression Therapy #
The use of compression bandages or garments to improve circulation and reduce swelling in patients with venous ulcers or lymphedema.
Debridement #
The removal of dead or damaged tissue from a wound to promote healing.
Exudate #
Fluid that oozes from a wound, containing proteins, cells, and other substances.
Foam Dressing #
A type of wound dressing made from polyurethane foam that absorbs exudate and maintains a moist wound environment.
Granulation Tissue #
New tissue that forms during the healing process, composed of blood vessels, fibroblasts, and collagen.
Hydrocolloid Dressing #
A type of wound dressing that forms a gel when in contact with wound exudate, providing a moist environment for healing.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy #
A treatment in which patients breathe pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber to promote wound healing.
Incision #
A surgical cut made in the skin or other tissue.
Infection #
The invasion and multiplication of microorganisms in body tissues, leading to inflammation and tissue damage.
Laceration #
A jagged or irregular tear in the skin caused by trauma.
Necrosis #
Death of cells or tissues within a living organism.
Negative Pressure Wound Therapy #
A treatment in which a vacuum dressing is applied to a wound to promote healing and remove excess fluid.
Pressure Ulcer #
A localized injury to the skin and/or underlying tissue, usually over a bony prominence, as a result of pressure or pressure in combination with shear.
Primary Intention Healing #
Wound healing that occurs when the edges of a wound are close together and can be easily approximated, such as a surgical incision.
Secondary Intention Healing #
Wound healing that occurs when a wound is left open to heal from the bottom up, such as a pressure ulcer.
Serous Fluid #
A clear, watery fluid that can be found in wounds, containing proteins, electrolytes, and nutrients.
Skin Tear #
A traumatic wound caused by shearing, friction, or blunt force that separates the layers of the skin.
Sterile Technique #
A set of practices used to prevent contamination of wounds and maintain asepsis during wound care procedures.
Sutures #
Stitches used to hold the edges of a wound together during healing.
Topical Antimicrobial #
An agent applied directly to the skin to prevent or treat wound infections.
Wound Assessment #
The process of evaluating a wound's size, depth, appearance, and surrounding tissue to determine the appropriate treatment plan.
Wound Bed #
The base of a wound where new tissue forms during the healing process.
Wound Closure #
The process of bringing the edges of a wound together to promote healing and reduce the risk of infection.
Wound Drainage #
The flow of fluid from a wound, which can be serous, serosanguinous, purulent, or hemorrhagic.
Wound Exudate #
Fluid that leaks out of blood vessels into the tissues, often seen in wounds as a sign of inflammation.
Wound Infection #
The invasion of microorganisms into a wound, leading to inflammation, delayed healing, and potential complications.
Wound Irrigation #
The process of flushing a wound with a solution to remove debris, promote healing, and prevent infection.
Wound Packing #
The placement of a dressing or material into the depth of a wound to absorb exudate and promote healing.
Wound VAC #
A negative pressure wound therapy device that uses suction to promote healing and remove excess fluid from wounds.
Wound Healing #
The complex process of tissue repair that occurs in response to injury, involving inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling phases.
Wound Tunneling #
An abnormal passageway that extends from the wound surface into surrounding tissue, often seen in chronic wounds.