Course Code: REL-ACU-0-WMPO
Hours: 1
Type: Online Course
Content Expiration Date: 12/31/2028
Learning Objectives:
Describe the anatomical structure and physiological function of the skin and fascia layers, including their role in surgical wound healing.
Differentiate surgical wound classifications, common incision types, and patient or procedural factors influencing wound healing.
Discuss evidence-based techniques for hemostasis, wound closure, and infection prevention to optimize perioperative patient outcomes.
Outline:
Section 1: Fundamentals of Surgical Wounds
A Return to the OR: Managing a Surgical Site Infection
Anatomy and Physiology of the Skin and Surgical Wounds
The Skin
Surgical Wounds
Acute Versus Chronic Wounds
Surgical Wound Classification
Optimizing Outcomes
Smoking Cessation
Glycemic Control
Medications and Herbal Supplements
Review
Key Takeaways
Section 2: Wound Management
Hemostasis
Manual Hemostasis
Chemical Hemostasis
Thermal Hemostasis
Clinical Importance of Hemostasis
Scenario: The Unexpected Bleed in the OR
Review
Surgical Drains and Tubes
Passive Drains
Active Drains
Gastrointestinal (GI) Management
Wound Debridement
Wound Irrigation
Wound Closure Techniques
Suturing Basics
Types of Suture Materials
Surgical Needles
Surgical Staples
Wound Dressings
Dressing Classifications
Wound Packing
Tissue Adhesives
Review
Key Takeaways
Section 3: Wound Healing and Complications
Wound Healing
Phases of Wound Healing
The Role of Moisture in Wound Healing
Review
Wound Complications
Surgical Site Infection (SSI)
Hematoma and Seroma
Wound Dehiscence
Necrosis
Chronic Non-Healing Wounds
Scenario: The Case of the Slow-Healing Wound
Key Takeaways
Section 4: Conclusion
Course Summary
Course Contributors
Resource
References
Subject Matter Expert: Brandy Verton, BSN, RN, CNOR
Brandy is a certified perioperative nurse with a background in both scrub and circulator roles across a variety of surgical specialties. She earned her BSN with summa cum laude honors from Capella University and has served as a Surgical Services Clinical Educator and Periop 101 instructor. Her early clinical experience on a postoperative and medical-surgical overflow unit shaped her commitment to patient-centered care and team collaboration. Throughout her career, she has contributed to hospital committees and process improvement efforts focused on safety, education, and quality outcomes. Brandy is passionate about creating practical, real-world education that helps clinicians feel supported in their work, build confidence in their skills, and continue delivering safe, effective care.
Instructor: Brian C Sheridan, CST
Brian is an accomplished certified surgical technologist with over 20 years of experience. He graduated cum laude on the Dean’s list for outstanding academic achievement with a certificate in Surgical Technology from Montgomery County Community College in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania. He is well-versed in a variety of specialties including multi-surgeon complex cancer cases. As a preceptor, he enjoys sharing his knowledge with new surgical technologists and nurses, teaching them the fundamentals of the scrub role. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Pennsylvania State Assembly of the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST).
Target Audience:
The target audience for this course is: Nursing Personnel; Surgical Personnel; in the following settings: Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs)/Outpatient Surgical Centers, Hospitals: Acute, Hospitals: Critical Access (CAHs).
Relias Learning will be transparent in disclosing if any commercial support, sponsorship or co-providership is present prior to the learner completing the course.
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All courses offered by Relias Learning, LLC are developed from a foundation of diversity, inclusiveness, and a multicultural perspective. Knowledge, values and awareness related to cultural competency are infused throughout the course content.
To earn continuing education credit for this course you must achieve a passing score of 80% on the post-test and complete the course evaluation.
Course Delivery Method and Format
Asynchronous Distance Learning with interactivity which includes quizzes with questions/answers, and posttests.