Risk for Wound Infection Related to Slow-Healing Leg Wound

Running head: RISK FOR WOUND 1
Risk for Wound Infection Related to Slow-Healing Leg Wound
Name:
Institution:
Date

RISK FOR WOUND 2
Risk for Wound Infection Related to Slow-Healing Leg Wound
Local Factors
Oxygenation
Oxygen is essential for all wound healing processes. However, several systematic
conditions such as comorbidities such as the one presented by the patient might affect vascular
flow, impeding tissue oxygenation (Bui, Edwards, & Finlayson, 2016; Kihla, NgundeMbianda,
Nkwelang, & Ndip, 2014). The poor perfusion creates a hypoxic which predispose the tissues to
necrotic effects and infection.
Venous and Arterial Insufficiencies
Impaired vascular flow such as the one experienced by arthritis patient hinders blood flow and
interferes with wound oxygenation (Bui et al., 2016; Kihla et al., 2014). Reduced oxygenation is
a risk factor to wound infection.
Infection
Norma appears physically frail, unsteady on her feet, needs a walking frame and has reduced
eyesight. These factors might interfere with personal hygiene and expose the wound to infection
(Bui et al., 2016).
Systematic Factors
Age
Increased age increases the risk of impaired wound healing and exposes the wound to
infection (Bui et al., 2016; Kihla et al., 2014). Old-aged patients such as Mrs. Noma experience
altered inflammatory responses such as reduced macrophage phagocytic, lymphocytic, and other
immune responses capacity. Also, old age is associated with delayed angiogenesis and collagen