Dictionary

Procedures and skills

The procedures nurses assist with and the skills they perform themselves.

walkerA light metal frame with four legs, with or without wheels, that a person holds while walking for support and balance.

well child visitA routine check-up for a healthy child to follow growth and development, give vaccines and screen for problems.

woundA break or injury in the skin or the tissue under it.

wound careThe cleaning, protecting and dressing of a wound to help it heal and to prevent infection.

wound cultureA lab test that grows germs from a wound sample to find out which bacteria or fungi are there and which drugs will kill them.

wound healingThe body's process of repairing damaged skin and tissue.

wound irrigationFlushing a wound with a steady stream of fluid, usually sterile normal saline, to wash out debris and germs.

wound vacuum-assisted closureA wound treatment that uses a sealed dressing connected to a suction pump to draw fluid out and help the wound heal.