Abstract
PURPOSE: The purpose of this article is to provide practitioners with an overview of wound infection/inflammation and bacterial balance and to offer a guide to assessment and treatment of chronic wounds.
TARGET AUDIENCE: This continuing education activity is intended for physicians and nurses who assess and treat wound infections.
OBJECTIVES: After reading this article and taking this test, the participant should be able to:
1. Discuss factors associated with infection of the chronic wound, including the concept of bacterial balance and burden.
2. Identify signs of infection in the chronic wound and applicable diagnostic tests.
3. Describe appropriate treatment for the infected chronic wound.