Healing of physical wounds.

The sequence of events in the process of wound healing follows a predictable pattern when all components to support the process are present. Healing cannot be accelerated beyond its normal time span; however, there are factors that may negatively influence the rate of wound healing. Among these are malnutrition, infection, trauma, and concomitant medical diagnoses. Nursing functions required when there is an infection complicating the healing process or when wounds have had a surgical repair are usually determined by the physician's plan of care. Correction of malnourished states, control of diabetes, and improvement of anemia and subsequent tissue perfusion contribute to optimal states for wound healing to occur. Independent nursing functions regarding wound management include vigilance, protection from intrinsic and extrinsic factors that may impede healing, and support of those factors that promote optimum environment for the healing to occur.