Wound Care Vocabulary

 Dehiscence- Rupture (separation) of one or more layers of a wound

 Evisceration- total separation of the layers of a wound in which
internal viscera protrude through the incision
 Exudate-fluid that oozes as a result of inflammation. The flow of fluids
from a wound or cavity
 Granulation- fleshy projections formed on the surface of a gaping
wound that is not healing by first intention or indirect union. Form of
connective tissue with an abundant blood supply.
 Necrosis- the death of cells tissues or organs
 Pressure Ulcer- a type of chronic wound. Caused by unrelieved
pressure that compromises blood flow to an area, resulting in
inadequate blood supply in the underlying tissue.
 Primary Healing (intention)- takes place when a wound involves
minimal tissue loss and has edges that are well approximated (closed)
Little scarring is expected. (clean surgical incision heals by this
method)
 Secondary Healing (intention)- occurs when a wound (1) involves
extensive tissue loss, which prevents wound edges from closing, or (2)
should not be closed (it is infected). It is left open and heals from the
inner layer to the surface, filling in with granulation tissue (red beefy)
Heal more slowly, and more prone to infection, develop more scar
tissue. Pressure ulcers and infected wounds.
 Tertiary Healing (intention)- delayed primary closure, occurs when 2
surfaces of granulation tissue are brought together. Used when the
wound is clean-contaminated or contaminated. The wound is allowed
to heal by secondary intention. When no evidence of edema, infection,
or foreign matter, the wound edges are closed by bringing together
the granulating tissue and suturing the surface. Less scarring than
secondary but more than primary.
 Abrasion- A scrape of the superficial layers of the skin; usually unintentional
but may be performed intentionally for cosmetic purposes to smooth skin
surfaces.
 Debridement- the removal of foreign material and dead or damaged
tissue, esp. in a wound.
 Eschar- black, leathery covering comprised of necrotic tissue and
plasma proteins.
 Incision- a cut made with a knife, electrosurgical unit, or
laser(surgical purposes)
 Wound Care Vocabulary

 Ischemia- A temporary deficiency of blood flow to an organ or tissue.

May be caused by diminished blood flow either through a regional
artery or throughout the circulation.
 Laceration- the skin or mucous membranes are torn open, resulting
in a wound with jagged margins.
 Puncture- An open wound caused by a sharp object. Often there is
collapse of tissue around the entry point, making this wound prone to
infections.
 Sutures- (stitches) the traditional wound closures.
 Wound- a disruption in the normal integrity of the skin. May be
intentional, such as a surgical wound, or unintentional, such as a cut
or a pressure ulcer.
 Avulsion- tearing away forcibly of a part or structure. If surgical
repair is necessary, a sterile dressing may ne applied while surgery is
awaited. If fingers, toes, feet, or even entire limbs are completely
avulsed and separated, members are recovered.
 Ulceration- A suppurative or non-healing lesion on a surface such as
skin, cornea, or mucous membrane.