RESUMO
Wounds are a major public health challenge for nurses, and poor wound care has important implications for patients and health care systems. The aim of this study is to assess the Italian registered nurses' (RNs) perception in the area of wound care, regarding their knowledge, tasks of care delivery, wound management, values, and attitudes, exploring also the previous specific education received during nursing education. An observational online web-based survey was used to assess learning goals and content for wound care education in undergraduate nursing education and the skills and level of self-efficacy in this area during clinical practice. The data were collected between April and May 2022. A total of 210 RNs were interviewed and divided into five national geographic areas. Northwestern RNs showed a better education about the wound care area during university courses: the rate of RNs that did not receive any training in the wound care area was lower than in other Italian geographical areas. Southern RNs presented a better knowledge about factors that expose the wound to becoming chronic, wound drains care, and the ability to assess diabetic foot. This study showed that, in Italy, education in wound care among nursing students is relatively poor, and many skills are achieved during an RN's career in an empirical way.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) of the lower limbs is a common condition that can affect quality of life. Androgen receptor (AR) can exert sex-specific effects on metabolic system, endothelial function and vascular tone. IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR) and insulin receptor (IR) may also be involved in the aforementioned functions. The aim of this study was to evaluate AR, IGF-IR and IR expression in the arterial vessel walls of PAD patients. RESULTS: This is a cross-sectional study examining 30 males with PAD undergoing open surgery procedures. Mean age was 75.9 ± 8.8y. All patients belonged to Rutherford stage 4-6. Median expression levels of IR, IGF-IR and AR significantly decreased from stage 4-6 (p < 0.05). SIGNIFICANCE: The study evidenced a progressive decrease of IR, IGF-IR and AR expression as the severity of disease increased. Altered levels of IR, IGF-IR and AR following PAD may be useful for the clinical evaluation of these patients.
RESUMO
Skin tears represent a common condition of traumatic wounds, which may be encountered in some categories of individuals at the extremes of age, such as infants and the elderly. Despite the high prevalence and cost of these lesions, there has been little investigation into the risk factors that lead to this condition. The aim of this review was to systematically evaluate the main risk factors involved in development of skin tears. We planned to include all the studies dealing with risk factors related to skin tears. Only publications in English were considered. We excluded all the studies that did not properly fit our research question and those with insufficient data. Of the 166 records found, 24 matched our inclusion criteria. After reading the full-text articles, we decided to exclude seven articles because of the following reasons: (1) not responding properly to our research questions and (2) insufficient data; the final set included 17 articles. From a literature search, we found the following main issues related to risk factors, which have been described in detail in this section: age-related skin changes, dehydration, malnutrition, sensory changes, mobility impairment, pharmacological therapies and mechanical factors related to skin care practices. Our findings clearly show that in frail populations (especially infant and elderly), the stratification risk, as a primary prevention strategy, is an effective tool in avoiding the development of chronic wounds. The development and the implementation of prevention strategies based on appropriate knowledge of the risk factors involved and the adoption of correct techniques during skin care practices could reduce or even avoid the onset of skin tears.