Master Types of Wound Healing with Picmonic for Nursing RN

Acute wounds are typically caused by a surgical incision or a traumatic injury. These wounds can happen anywhere on the body and have a predictable healing process.

Chronic wounds typically involve significant tissue loss. These wounds take a long time to heal and require frequent dressing changes. Common chronic wounds are diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, and venous stasis ulcers.

Primary intention wounds are closed. These wounds heal fast with minimal scarring and are at a lower risk for infection.

Wounds or lacerations that are surgically closed with sutures, staples, or glue will be approximated. Notify the provider if the wound opens or an increase in redness around the wound is observed.

Unlike primary intention, these wounds remain open and are not closed. Healing occurs by granulation tissue (scar), wound contraction, and epithelialization. These wounds are at a higher risk for infection. Monitor these wounds closely.

Because the wound is not closed, the edges of the skin are not touching. Frequent dressing changes are typically required for these wounds.

These wounds are intentionally left open to heal and then surgically closed by primary intention. Wound is contaminated and inflamed.

Wounds are left open until the risk of infection has been removed. Typically seen after wound debridement (the infection is surgically removed from the wound).