Related Experiment Videos
Caring for a loved one with a malignant fungating wound
Sebastian Probst1, Anne Arber, Andreas Trojan
1Department of Health, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Winterthur, Switzerland. prob@zhaw.ch
Summary
Caring for a loved one with a fungating breast wound is challenging, causing distress. Integrated palliative wound care strategies are needed to support patients and carers holistically.
Area of Science:
- Oncology Nursing
- Palliative Care
- Qualitative Research
Background:
- Malignant fungating wounds present significant challenges for patients and their carers.
- Caring for these wounds causes extreme physical and psychological distress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the lived experiences of carers managing fungating breast wounds.
- To understand the challenges and needs of informal carers in advanced cancer care.
Main Methods:
- Heideggerian hermeneutic phenomenology framework.
- Semi-structured interviews with seven carers.
- Exploration of carer experiences from January to November 2009.
Main Results:
- Visible cancer and fungating wounds caused shock and suffering for patients and carers.
- Wound management, including odor and discharge, became central to daily life.
- Carers felt isolated, managing wounds without healthcare professional support, highlighting a significant burden.
Conclusions:
- Palliative wound care requires integrated, holistic, and empathic strategies.
- Addressing patients' and carers' psychosocial and emotional needs is crucial.
- Providing practical information for symptom management is essential for effective carer support.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Burn Injuries
Burn injuries occur when the skin and underlying tissues are damaged due to exposure to heat, electricity, chemicals, radiation, or friction. They can vary in severity, from minor superficial burns to severe deep burns that can be life-threatening.
The damage results in the death of skin cells, which can lead to a massive loss of fluid. Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and renal and circulatory failure follow, which can be fatal. Burn patients are treated with intravenous fluids to offset...
The damage results in the death of skin cells, which can lead to a massive loss of fluid. Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and renal and circulatory failure follow, which can be fatal. Burn patients are treated with intravenous fluids to offset...
01:31Diabetic Foot Ulcer
Definition A diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a chronic, non-healing wound that develops in individuals with diabetes. It typically occurs on pressure-bearing areas such as the heel, metatarsal heads, or hallux, and carries a high risk of infection and amputation.Pathophysiology • The development of DFUs can be explained by four interconnected mechanisms: neuropathy, ischemia, infection, and impaired wound healing. • Neuropathy is the most common factor. Sensory neuropathy reduces pain perception,...
01:24Healing II: Complications
Complications during healing arise when tissue repair is altered by local or systemic factors. These changes involve abnormal collagen deposition, altered biomechanics, and reduced vascular supply, impairing restoration of normal structure and function.Loss of FunctionScar tissue differs significantly from the original tissue it replaces. In the skin, fibrosis lacks adnexal structures such as hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and sweat glands. Their absence reduces tactile sensitivity, impairs...
01:23Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management
During the postoperative period, it is crucial to focus on maintaining circulation, identifying and managing potential complications, and planning for discharge.Nursing AssessmentVital signs monitoring: Regularly monitor vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature, to detect early signs of complications such as bleeding and infection.Circulation assessment: Monitor pulses, perform Doppler assessments, and check capillary refill, color, temperature, and...
01:30Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
01:25Peptic Ulcer Disease V: Surgical Management and Nursing Care
Surgical management and nursing care are crucial in treating Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD). Here is an organized and enhanced overview of the surgical interventions and the associated nursing care for PUD:
Surgical Interventions for Peptic Ulcer Disease
Surgical Interventions for Peptic Ulcer Disease