Postoperative wound care: nursing assessment and management

The management of a surgical wound requires basic knowledge and understanding of the wound healing process. Wound healing is a systemic process that begins with an injury and continues with a series of physiological responses that will ultimately impact the ability of the wound to heal. Certain systemic factors have been identified that impact this series of events. Through a continual holistic assessment of the patient, and the many factors influencing wound healing, interventions can be altered for a more positive outcome.