GANGRENE
PREVENTION |
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Patients with diabetes or severe
arteriosclerosis should take particular care of their hands and feet
because of the risk of infection associated with even a minor
injury. Education about proper foot care is vital. Diminished blood
flow as a result of narrowed vessels will not lessen the body's
defenses against invading bacteria. Measures taken towards the
reestablishment of circulation are recommended whenever possible.
Any abrasion, break in the skin, or infection tissue should be cared
for immediately. Any dying or infected skin must be removed promptly
to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Penetrating abdominal wounds should be surgically explored and
drained, any tears in the intestinal walls closed, and antibiotic
treatment begun early. Patients undergoing elective intestinal
surgery should receive preventive antibiotic therapy. Use of
antibiotics prior to and directly following surgery has been shown
to significantly reduce the rate of infection from 20–30% to 4–8%. |
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| GANGRENE RELATED ITEMS |
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