Psychological considerations for patients with acute wounds

The range of psychological considerations for patients with acute wounds is very great, to an extent that makes any generalization extremely difficult. Adverse psychological developments seem to occur most often when there are permanent changes in the body's structure or function. Reactions may be particularly troublesome if the wound occurs as a result of trauma, involves an emotionally loaded body part or function, or results in visible deformity. Critical care nurses can help patients begin the process of reintegrating the body image by providing congruent verbal and behavioral messages that communicate to the patient that his or her worth and value as a human being has not been lost.