Author/Editor     Petkovšek-Gregorin, Romana
Title     Higiena krna in oskrba ran
Type     članek
Source     In: Burger H, editor. Amputacije in protetika. Zbornik predavanj 13. dnevi rehabilitacijske medicine; 2002 mar 15-16; Ljubljana. 1. izd. Ljubljana: Inštitut Republike Slovenije za rehabilitacijo,
Publication year     2002
Volume     str. 65-73
Language     slo
Abstract     The loss of a limb has severe psychological effects on the amputee since it greatly changes his or her physical appearance. Health-care workers, especially nurses, who monitor patients for 24 hours, often face changes in the patients' psychological balance. They see many unhappy patients who cannot accept the loss of a limb. At least two thirds of the patients after lower limb amputation suffer from diabetes. Dietitians and nurses must control theirnutrition by providing a diabetic diet. In diabetic patients, the level of blood sugar must be measured a few times per week. In patients with a very high level ofblood sugar, the level is measured 34 times daily. During rehabilitation at our institute, the patients receive training on how to dress the stump correctly. Due to a higher level of physical activity during the rehabilitation program and subsequent increased sweating, new hygienic procedures are explained to the patients. The hygiene includes care for the stump, the prosthetic socks and the prosthesis. Nurses also assist the patients when a wound develops on the stump due to incorrect donning of the prosthesis or excessive walking. In these cases, the wound has to be treated correctly. It is also important to keep records and monitor the wound and its healing until it is fully healed or until the patient is discharged to return home. Since most of the patients are diabetic and suffer from diabetic neuropathy, which damages their sensitivity, the stump dressing must be replaced daily. Hydrocoliods are not used. At the discharge, community nurses must be informed on the patient's wound. A written document is sent describing the size of the wound and the materials used for dressing. Different materials for healing in wet and warm conditions are used. Since the patients usually feel tired after their daily gait training with the prosthesis, the nurses must ensure a peaceful and quiet atmosphere in the evening. (Abstract truncated at 2000 characters).
Descriptors     AMPUTATION STUMPS
WOUND HEALING
BANDAGES
HEALTH FOOD
SURGICAL WOUND INFECTION
DECUBITUS ULCER