Module 5 Vocabulary

Pressure ulcer—Appear on the skin over the bony area when circulation is impaired.

Dehiscence-- a partial or total separation of previously approximated wound edges, due to a failure of
proper wound healing.

Exudate-- a mass of cells and fluid that has seeped out of blood vessels or an organ, especially in
inflammation.

Granulation-- type of new connective tissue.

Necrotic-- death of a usually localized area of living tissue.

Purulent-- consisting of, containing, or discharging pus.

Venous ulcer-- leg ulcers caused by problems with blood flow.

Arterial ulcer-- develops as the result of damage to the arteries due to lack of blood flow to tissue.

Sterile gloves—Gloves that are free of all viable microorganisms.

Sterile field-- designated area which is free of microbes and other pathogens that can infect someone.

Steri-strips-- thin adhesive bandages often used by surgeons as a backup to dissolvable stitches or after
regular stitches are removed.

Hemovac-- a type of drain that is put into a wound during surgery to help remove blood and fluid.

Penrose drain-- a soft, flat, flexible tube made of latex. It lets blood and other fluids move out of the
area of your surgery.

Jackson-Pratt drain-- often placed in wounds during surgery to prevent the collection of fluid
underneath the incision site. This is a closed, air-tight drainage system which operates by self-suction.

Montgomery Straps-- Used to facilitate frequent dressing changes without having to remove and
reapply tape.

Serous-- thin; watery; like serum.

Serosanguineous-- fluid leaving a wound that is serosanguineous is yellowish with small amounts of
blood.

Approximated-- located close together.

Debridement-- the removal of damaged tissue or foreign objects from a wound.

Eschar-- a type of necrotic tissue that can develop on severe wounds. It is typically dry, black, firm, and
usually adhered to the wound bed and edges.

Exudate-- a mass of cells and fluid that has seeped out of blood vessels or an organ, especially in
inflammation.