Postoperative Wound Infections

Overview

4.7 out of 5 (26 Reviews)

Credits

1.00

Post Assessment Questions

5

Start Date

1 Sep 2023

Last Review Date

5 Mar 2024

Expiration Date

31 Aug 2026

Estimated Time To Finish

60 Minutes


 
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Activity Description

Postoperative wound infections are a common complication following surgery, characterized by complex and multifactorial pathophysiology. Clinicians are crucial in identifying and managing modifiable risk factors for postoperative wound infections during the perioperative phase. Comprehensive preoperative assessment and management are essential, necessitating collaboration among nursing, anesthesia, and surgical teams to identify and manage risk factors, thereby ensuring effective patient counseling. During the intraoperative phase, maintaining sterility and cleanliness in the operating room environment is crucial, as it directly influences patient recovery and infection rates intraoperatively and postoperatively. 

Incisional infections are usually noticeable, and any systemic symptoms following surgery should raise concerns about postoperative complications. However, similar symptoms may also stem from unrelated causes, such as cellulitis, allergic reactions, or urinary tract infections and pneumonia. Various factors contribute to susceptibility to infection, and diagnosis primarily relies on clinical evaluation, although wound cultures and imaging may be necessary in some instances. This activity provides detailed information on postoperative wound infections, including their etiology, epidemiology, pathophysiology, common presentations, and evaluation and treatment options. This activity also highlights the crucial role of the interprofessional healthcare team and the collaborative approach between surgical and non-surgical clinicians to ensure the best possible patient outcomes.


Target Audience

This activity has been designed to meet the educational needs of physicians, physician associates, nurses, pharmacists, and nurse practitioners.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, the learner will be better able to:

  • Identify risk factors associated with postoperative wound infections during preoperative assessments.

  • Implement evidence-based preventive measures to minimize the risk of postoperative wound infections.

  • Apply appropriate wound care techniques to prevent and manage postoperative wound infections effectively.

  • Collaborate with interprofessional healthcare teams to coordinate follow-up care and interventions, thereby optimizing patient outcomes and preventing postoperative wound infections.

Disclosures

StatPearls, LLC requires everyone who influences the content of an educational activity to disclose relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies that have occurred within the past 24 months. Ineligible companies are organizations whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients. All relevant conflict(s) of interest have been mitigated. Hover over contributor names for financial disclosures. Others involved in planning this educational activity have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Commercial Support: This activity has received NO commercial support.

Continuing Education Accreditation Information

In support of improving patient care, StatPearls, LLC is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

 

Nurses: StatPearls designates this activity for 1.00 ANCC contact hour(s). Nurses should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Please consult your professional licensing board for information on the applicability and acceptance of continuing education credit for this activity.

Method of Participation and Credit

  1. Register for the activity.    
  2. Review the target audience, learning objectives, and disclosure information.
  3. Study the educational content of the enduring material.
  4. Choose the best answer to each activity test question. To receive credit and a certificate, you must pass the test questions with a minimum score of 100%.
  5. Complete the post-activity assessment survey.

If you have concerns regarding the CE/CME system, please contact support@statpearls.com.

Disclaimer

This educational activity was planned and produced in accordance with the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. Faculty may discuss investigational products or off-label uses of products regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration. Readers should verify all information before employing any therapies described in this educational activity.

The information provided for this activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical/clinical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition. The information presented does not necessarily reflect the views of StatPearls or any commercial supporters of educational activities on statpearls.com. StatPearls expressly disclaims responsibility for any adverse consequences resulting directly or indirectly from information in the course, for undetected error, or through a participant's misunderstanding of the content.

Unapproved Uses of Drugs/Devices: In accordance with FDA requirements, the audience is advised that information presented in this continuing education activity may contain references to unlabeled or unapproved uses of drugs or devices. Please refer to the FDA-approved package insert for each drug/device for full prescribing/utilization information.

Cancellation Policy: Please see the cancellation policy. StatPearls, LLC reserves the right to cancel any course due to unforeseen circumstances.

 

 
 

Reviews

Brian B. on 5/15/2021

Kim N. on 2/14/2022

Kelsey b. on 2/20/2022

Ellen L. on 3/14/2022

Peter L. on 10/20/2022

Marcy B. on 11/5/2022

Dwayne W. on 11/18/2022

Josh H. on 12/3/2022

Alok P. on 12/11/2022

Wilbert W. on 12/16/2022

Florence Y. on 2/18/2023

Jaron A. on 2/18/2023

Scott W. on 3/2/2023

Good topic, but as it relates to my outpatient clinic, that does not really apply

James W. on 4/18/2023

mikaela v. on 7/14/2023

Kristine D. on 7/30/2023

Mary R. on 7/29/2023

Peter L. on 9/22/2023

afshin M. on 10/30/2023

Laura G. on 12/13/2023

Michael G. on 12/20/2023

Christohper K. on 12/30/2023

Bryan E. on 1/14/2024

James W. on 2/1/2024

Stephanie H. on 3/4/2024

Amanda K. on 4/18/2024

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