Wound assessment and decision-making options.

The increasing presence of multiple, chronic disease states among critically ill patients compounds care of their acute or traumatic conditions. These patients may be admitted with existing wounds and they may develop impaired skin integrity due to a variety of factors related to their illness and treatment. Whereas maintenance of vital functions is the priority of care, critical care nurses are more frequently faced with the challenges presented by pressure ulcers and various other surgical, traumatic, and vascular wounds. These wounds increase morbidity and mortality and result in higher costs for health care. Education in assessment of risk, pathophysiology, the healing process, comprehensive assessment, and efficient, effective wound management contribute to optimal patient outcomes and cost-effective delivery of care.