Wound Series Part 1: Assessing and Diagnosing Chronic Wounds of the Lower Extremity

Contact Hour(s): 

1.5 Contact Hours

Author:

Linda J. Cowan, PHD, ARNP, FNP-BC, CWS

This peer-reviewed course is applicable for the following professions:

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), Athletic Trainer (AT/AL), Certified Nurse Midwife, Certified Nurse Practitioner, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN), Midwife (MW), Nursing Student, Occupational Therapist (OT), Occupational Therapist Assistant (OTA), Physical Therapist (PT), Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA), Registered Nurse (RN), Registered Nurse Practitioner

Accreditations: 

The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), Board of Certification for Athletic Trainers (BOC) 

CEUFast, Inc. is an AOTA Provider of professional development.  PD activity approval ID# 9830. This distant learning-independent activity is offered at 0.15 CEUs Intermediate, Categories: Foundational Knowledge.  The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures.

State Approvals: 

Alabama, Provider #ABNP1485; California BRN Provider #CEP # 13509; Florida Physical Therapy Association Approval: CE26-687537; Kentucky Board of Nursing Provider #7-0085; Florida Board of Nursing Provider 50-353; Nevada Board of Physical Therapy; New York State Education Department’s State Board for Physical Therapy 

Course Description:

This course discusses important aspects of acute versus chronic wound healing, especially as it pertains to common lower extremity wounds in human adults.

Outcomes:

≥ 92% of participants will know how to identify acute versus chronic wounds and differentiate key findings associated with venous, arterial, diabetic, and other common etiologies of lower extremity ulcers.

Objectives:

After completing this continuing education course, the participant will be able to:

1. Describe phases of wound healing in acute wounds.
2. Compare and contrast differences between acute and chronic wound healing.
3. Determine skin changes in the aging process that may negatively impact wound healing.
4. Summarize common etiologies of chronic wounds of the lower extremities.
5. List common differences in wound characteristics that help differentiate wound etiologies.
6. Describe common diagnostic tools/methods that may be useful in determining the etiology of lower extremity wounds.
7. Outline essential items that should be included in all wound assessment documentation.
8. Explain modifiable contributing factors to impaired wound healing.
9. Identify at least one characteristic of skin pigmentation that may impact early detection of inflammation or pressure injuries.

Disclosures:

CEUFast Inc. and the course planning team for this educational activity do not have any relevant financial relationship(s) to disclose with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.