SKIN ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY, AND PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

Wound healing is an important area of clinical nursing practice, and the most advanced practitioners have a sound fundamental knowledge of skin anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology Nurses have been pioneers in the use of occlusive and semi-occlusive dressings, hydrogels, and other tools to manage wounds. Nurses have and will continue to have a major role in the treatment and care of wounds. As the population of the United States increases in age, the numbers of people affected with chronic wounds and skin conditions are likely to increase. This article has summarized a large body of knowledge that is undergoing rapid expansion, especially in the area of the pathophysiology of skin wounds. These advances have been made possible because of the number of studies of normal wound healing processes that have occurred in the past four decades. With more powerful molecular biologic, biochemical, and histologic tools, the next several decades should extend our knowledge of the pathophysiology of chronic wound healing far beyond what former investigators could hypothesize but not actually see. Astute clinicians should review continually the literature to keep abreast of new findings that are sure to emerge. In the century ahead, there will be an acceleration in the rapid communication of the knowledge generated by both basic and clinical studies. To be able to harness science to improve the health and well-being of humankind requires that clinicians possess a deeper fundamental knowledge of basic cell and molecular biology. In addition, it is hoped they will have skill in using computer information technologies to access and evaluate research reports. They will be held accountable in applying this knowledge in clinical practice.