HLTENN039 - Apply principles of wound management

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Assessment Task

Instructions

You must answer all questions and complete this assessment task by the due date provided or you may receive an unsatisfactory (U) result.

If you are unable to meet a scheduled assessment due date, you must notify your teacher at least 48 hours prior to the due date to request an extension. All requests for extensions must be in writing on a request for extension form. Extensions are granted in exceptional circumstances only and must be supported by appropriate documentary evidence.

APA 7th edition style in-text referencing must be used throughout, and a reference list submitted with the assessment. Students must use their own words to answer the questions. Assessments that use, reproduce, or adapt the work or ideas of another person without due acknowledgment will be graded as unsatisfactory and considered academic misconduct. For more information, refer to the Student Rules.

Questions

1. Briefly discuss the two (2) standards that relate specifically to wounds and infections (including pressure injuries) that organisations must use to shape policies and procedures for wound care.

2. Outline four (4) different time periods where progress or change has occurred in wound management strategies. (start in early Egyptian times and progress to current times).

3. Outline three (3) conditions or environments microorganisms need to cause/contaminate a wound.

4. Identify two (2) common fungal infections that may cause a wound and identify a major reservoir for each.

5. Identify two (2) common viral infections that may cause a wound and identify a major reservoir for each.

6. Briefly outline the difference between an acute and chronic wound.

7. Review the following case studies and select if you think it is either an Acute or Chronic wound

Case studies: 

Sam had a motor bike accident 24 hours ago and sustained a leg wound that required stitches, there is serous discharge coming from the wound.6 weeks later Sam’s leg wound has an area where there is thick yellowish drainage into the dressing.A 55-year-old woman was admitted to the surgical ward for exploration of a persistent sinus on the lower left leg. An ultrasound examination showed a cavity suspected to be an abscess, which was then explored and drained

A 65-year-old gentleman was operated with abdominoperineal rectal excision and a sigmoid ostomy. Ten days later total wound dehiscence and evisceration (bowel contents protruding through the abdominal wall). Abdomen had to be left open collecting small bowel contents in a specially designed fistula bag. The patient went home with ongoing wound dressings over a period of 3 months.

8. Outline three (3) principles of wound management.

9. Match the wound type from Table A with the characteristics in Table B.

Table A

Wound type

Arterial ulcers

Skin tears

Pressure ulcer

Traumatic

Diabetic ulcers

Fistula and sinuses

malignant wounds

Venous ulcers

Skin grafts

Mixed ulcers

Table B

Ulcer type

Characteristic

 

Lack of arterial blood supply caused by peripheral arterial disease, may present as a wound with Well-demarcated edges, black or necrotic tissue, dry ulcer bed, with a deep, pale base.

 

Defect in the dermis of the lower leg often related to underlying venous disease- may present as a wound with uneven edges, ruddy granulation tissue, slough in wound bed

 

Caused by trauma or pressure secondary to neuropathy or vascular disease related to diabetes mellitus. Resulting in lower skin temperature and a decrease in transcutaneous oxygen tension at the skin.

 

Caused by pressure which destroys soft tissue. May present as pink to black colour of wound bed.

 

Caused by the infiltration of the skin by a local tumour such as a squamous-cell carcinoma or melanoma; haematological malignancy such as cutaneous T-cell lymphoma; or metastatic spread from a primary tumour, for example, breast cancer where metastasis occurs along tissue planes, capillaries or lymph vessels

 

Abnormal passage between two or more epithelialized surfaces, a communication tract develops from one hollow organ to another hollow organ allowing the loss of nutrients, fluids, and/or secretions.

 

A physical injury resulting in lacerations, punctures or abrasions to the skin.

 

Injuries caused by a variety of mechanical forces, such as shearing, friction. The skin injury can present as a laceration or skin flap, with separation of epidermis and/or dermis

 

Generally, harvests the individuals own undamaged skin to cover areas of damage.

 

Often a combination of venous and arterial ulcers.

10. Identify five (5) factors included in a skin assessment and five (5) factors included in a wound assessment.

11. Identify three (3) common problems and complications of wound healing.

12. Jack Sparrow has a surgical wound with a Bellovac drainage system. Identify four (4) interventions nurses need to note in regard to post operative management of a surgical drain and wound drainage systems.

13. Mr Jones who has a history of chronic venous disease and leg ulcers has returned from theatre after hip surgery and is fitted with elastic compression stockings (TED) and sequential compression device (SCDs).

  • Outline the benefit of elastic compression stockings (TED) and sequential compression device (SCDs)

14. Outline 4 relevant factors the Enrolled nurse must consider when developing an individualised wound care plan (in conjunction with the RN). 

Brief Summary of Assessment Requirements

This assessment focuses on wound management, infection control, and nursing interventions. Students are required to:

  • Identify relevant standards – Discuss two wound and infection-related standards shaping organisational policies.

  • Review history of wound care – Outline changes in wound management from ancient to modern times.

  • Microbiology of wounds – Identify conditions supporting microorganism growth, and common fungal/viral infections with their reservoirs.

  • Differentiate wounds – Acute vs. chronic wounds, and apply this to given case studies.

  • Principles of wound management – Outline three core principles.

  • Wound classification – Match wound types with their defining characteristics.

  • Skin and wound assessment – Identify 5 factors for each.

  • Complications – List common wound healing problems.

  • Post-op care – Explain management of surgical drains and wound drainage systems.

  • Compression therapy – Discuss benefits of TED stockings and SCDs.

  • Care planning – Identify factors an enrolled nurse must consider when developing an individualised wound care plan with the RN.

Students must present responses in their own words, using APA 7th edition referencing, ensuring originality and academic integrity.

Mentor’s Step-by-Step Guidance Approach

The academic mentor guided the student systematically through the task:

Step 1 – Understanding the Task

The mentor first helped the student break down the requirements into smaller sections. Each question was grouped under broader categories:

  • Standards & history of wound care
  • Microbiology & infections
  • Wound classification & principles
  • Assessment factors
  • Post-operative & nursing interventions

This ensured clarity and reduced overwhelm.

Step 2 – Research & Evidence Collection

The mentor directed the student to:

  • Review clinical standards (e.g., NSQHS Standards, infection prevention guidelines).
  • Use peer-reviewed sources for historical and microbiological insights.
  • Refer to textbooks and wound care manuals for classification, assessment, and nursing interventions.
  • Apply APA 7th edition referencing throughout.

Step 3 – Structured Responses

The mentor encouraged answering each question in a clear, concise, and point-based format to meet word requirements without unnecessary elaboration. For example:

  • Standards → brief description + relevance to wound care.
  • Case studies → identify acute/chronic with rationale.
  • Matching exercise → systematic alignment of wound type with its features.

Step 4 – Critical Thinking & Application

For case studies and care planning, the mentor asked the student to apply theoretical knowledge to practical nursing scenarios rather than just list information. Example: explaining how TED stockings reduce venous stasis and risk of DVT.

Step 5 – Review & Refinement

Finally, the mentor reviewed the draft with the student to:

  • Ensure alignment with assessment instructions.
  • Check for proper referencing and academic integrity.
  • Refine language for clarity and professionalism.

Outcome & Learning Objectives Achieved

By the end of the process, the student successfully:

  • Demonstrated knowledge of wound standards and policies.
  • Traced the evolution of wound care across historical periods.
  • Understood microbial factors affecting wound infection.
  • Differentiated acute and chronic wounds in real cases.
  • Applied principles of wound management to practical nursing care.
  • Identified correct wound classification features.
  • Conducted comprehensive skin and wound assessments.
  • Recognised complications and post-op management needs.
  • Applied knowledge of compression therapy and care planning.

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