KEY ASSESSMENTS
Patients at risk:
- Patients with poor tissue healing (diabetics, elderly, malnourished, and those taking corticosteroids)
- Patients with increased intra-abdominal pressure1
Findings that require evaluation for leaks:1
- External fluid at wound or exit-site
- Reduced exchange outflow volume
- Weight gain
- Abdominal swelling and edema/increased girth
- Scrotal, penile, or labial edema
- Peripheral edema
- Unilateral pleural effusion with or without volume overload (see Noninfectious Complications-Hydrothorax)
