KEY ASSESSMENTS
- Determine factors that may impair initial wound healing and exit-site management
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- Clinical status (chronic cough, steroids use, edema)
- Nutritional status (malnutrition impairs healing)
- Obesity-pannus location2
- Presence of colostomy, gastrostomy, or urostomy
- Use of adult diapers
- Evaluate for:
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- Abdominal wall for rash and evidence of infection
- Pre-existing abdominal scars
- Chronic intertrigo under breasts and abdominal skin folds
- Abdominal wall hernias that require repair3
- S. Aureus nasal carriage. If positive, treat with intranasal mupirocin4
