The purpose of this course is to provide physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners a current review of the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of pressure injuries, with an emphasis on clinical recognition and staging, risk factor assessment and prevention, and management strategies for collaborative care to improve patient outcomes. In addition, members of the public may use this course to enhance their personal knowledge of the subject matter presented.
Upon completion of this course, you should be able to:
1. Discuss the epidemiology, etiology, and pathogenesis of pressure injuries.
2. Identify patients at risk based on extrinsic and intrinsic factors important to pathogenesis.
3. Recognize and define the severity and progression of pressure injuries by stage.
4. Analyze techniques available for the diagnosis of pressure injuries.
5. Develop an effective strategy for skin care and prevention of pressure injuries.
6. Choose appropriate options for wound cleansing, debridement, and dressing based on wound types.
7. Manage other aspects of the care of patients with pressure injuries, including pain management and infectious complications.
8. Create individual treatment plans based on patient characteristics and pressure injury stage.
9. Identify the qualities of a pressure injury that should be monitored.
10. Outline possible complications and comorbidities of pressure injuries and their treatment.
11. Describe the medico-legal aspects of pressure injuries and the significance of correct documentation and patient education.
This 10-hour continuing education course is available for download for professional development; if continuing education credit is desired, please see instructions included in eBook.
