Wound Care                                     Return to the Beginning

Many patients in the acute care setting have either come to the hospital with an existing wound or can develop one while there. Wounds or pressure ulcers begin when the skin is compressed between a bony prominence and an external surface, like a bed or chair, for an extended period of time. The most common areas include the pelvic, hip and heel areas. Nutrition is indispensable in the healing process. Recognizing that certain nutrients in the diet will aid the healing process is an essential step in the care of patients with pressure ulcers (9). In the event that the dietitian is not able to see the patient prior to discharge, the nurse is often looked to by the patient for some basic nutrition information to aid in the healing of his wound.

Extended pressure on bony areas prevents oxygen and nutrients from reaching the tissue. The tissue becomes injured and eventually will die.  Dead skin forms and will enlarge to create an open area in the skin (9). Increased protein intake has been shown to improve wound healing in patients with pressure ulcers/wounds. Protein is one of our main food energies that are used for cell maintenance, tissue repair, and muscle building. Oftentimes high protein supplements are necessary to maximize the amount of protein consumed by patients with wounds. Optimal nutrition is an integral part of comprehensive wound management and is essential to keep up with the increased calorie/protein needs and to decrease the rate at which the body uses protein for fuel (10).

To aid in the wound healing process, dietary protein, as well as fluids, need to be increased and a healthy diet must be maintained. High biological value protein comes from animal sources such as:

• Meat, fish, poultry.
• Eggs, egg whites/substitutes.
• Cheese/milk/yogurt.

Additional high-protein sources to aid in wound healing include:

• Peanut butter.
• Dried beans and peas.
• Tofu.
• Nuts and seeds.

Patients always need to remember that drinking enough fluid is very important to help maintain health and heal a wound. Since all of our healing and maintenance bodily functions require fluid, a lack of fluid intake will result in a slower healing process.

 

Wound Care Survival Skills

• Follow a balanced meal plan that includes food from all of the food groups.
• Make sure foods high in protein are included with every meal and snacks as well. Approximately 5-7 ounces of meat daily should be adequate if the balanced meal plan includes adequate calories and at least three dairy servings per day.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Ten to 12 cups of caffeine-free beverages is recommended for wound healing unless the physician has instructed the patient to limit them.