Course Overview
This course is designed to equip Nurse Practitioners with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage diabetic foot ulcers in patients with diabetes. Through a comprehensive case study, learners will explore the assessment, infection prevention, wound care, and patient education strategies that are essential for managing this common complication of diabetes.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the pathophysiology of diabetic foot ulcers and their risk factors.
- Perform a thorough assessment of a patient presenting with a diabetic foot ulcer.
- Apply evidence-based wound care techniques to promote healing of diabetic foot ulcers.
- Understand the importance of infection prevention and control in diabetic foot ulcer care.
- Develop an individualized care plan for diabetic foot ulcers, including patient education and lifestyle modifications.
- Educate patients on managing diabetes and preventing foot ulcers through proper foot care and daily monitoring.
Course Duration
Total Time: 4 hours
Time Allocation:
- Module 1: Introduction and Pathophysiology of Diabetic Foot Ulcers (30 minutes)
- Module 2: Assessment and Diagnosis of Diabetic Foot Ulcers (60 minutes)
- Module 3: Wound Care and Infection Prevention (90 minutes)
- Module 4: Patient Education and Long-Term Management (30 minutes)
- Quiz and Case Review: 30 minutes
Course Outline
Module 1: Introduction and Pathophysiology of Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Duration: 30 minutes
Content:
- Introduction to Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Overview of diabetic foot ulcers as a common complication of diabetes and their impact on health.
- Pathophysiology: Understanding the mechanisms of diabetic neuropathy, poor circulation, and infection that lead to foot ulcers.
- Risk Factors: Identifying the risk factors for diabetic foot ulcers, including poor blood sugar control, smoking, and previous foot injuries.
Learning Activity:
Review the content on the pathophysiology of diabetic foot ulcers and their risk factors. Answer the following questions to reflect on the information:
- What are the primary causes of diabetic foot ulcers?
- How does neuropathy contribute to the development of diabetic foot ulcers?
Module 2: Assessment and Diagnosis of Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Duration: 60 minutes
Content:
- Patient Presentation: Common symptoms such as redness, swelling, pain, and the appearance of ulcers or wounds on the feet.
- Physical Examination: Performing a thorough physical exam to assess ulcer severity, depth, and signs of infection.
- Diagnostic Tools: Use of diagnostic tools such as wound cultures, blood glucose levels, and vascular assessments.
Learning Activity:
Review the provided case scenario of a patient with a diabetic foot ulcer. Based on the symptoms and diagnostic data, determine the severity of the ulcer and document your findings in the structured assessment form. Identify the next steps in the treatment process.
Module 3: Wound Care and Infection Prevention
Duration: 90 minutes
Content:
- Initial Wound Care: Cleaning and dressing techniques to prevent infection and promote healing.
- Infection Prevention: Identifying signs of infection and strategies for preventing wound infections through proper hygiene and dressing changes.
- Advanced Wound Care: Use of advanced dressings, negative pressure wound therapy, and the role of surgical debridement.
Learning Activity:
Based on the patient’s current clinical condition, select the most appropriate treatment options from a list of medications and wound care therapies. Reflect on the rationale for each choice and how it contributes to the management and healing of the diabetic foot ulcer.
Module 4: Patient Education and Long-Term Management
Duration: 30 minutes
Content:
- Foot Care Education: Teaching patients proper foot care techniques to prevent future ulcers and injuries.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Emphasizing the importance of blood sugar control, smoking cessation, and regular foot inspections.
- Long-Term Monitoring: Developing a follow-up plan for monitoring ulcer healing and preventing recurrence.
Learning Activity:
Review the patient’s follow-up care plan. Develop an individualized education plan for the patient, including foot care instructions, monitoring, and lifestyle changes.
Quiz and Case Review
Duration: 30 minutes
Content:
- Complete the quiz assessing your understanding of diabetic foot ulcer care, including diagnosis, treatment options, and infection prevention.
- Review the entire case study and reflect on the management steps taken. Ensure you understand the reasoning behind each clinical decision.