SWM Module 22: Wound Care — Pediatric and Neonatal Considerations
Which factor is MOST likely to impair collagen formation and cell proliferation in children?
Vitamin C deficiency
Incorrectly unselected
Zinc deficiency
Correctly unselected
Protein deficiency
Incorrectly selected
Poor circulation
Vitamin C deficiency
* Vitamin C, along with vitamins B and D, is essential for collagen synthesis and cellular proliferation. A deficiency in vitamin C directly impairs collagen formation, which delays wound healing.
Affects from zinc deficiency
Primarily affects epithelialization, which helps close and cover a wound. While this delays wound closure, it does not directly impact collagen formation
Affects from protein deficiency
Hinders overall tissue repair and cell growth, reducing the body’s ability to rebuild tissue. Although protein is important for wound healing, it is not specifically involved in collagen synthesis.
How does poor circulation affect wound healing?
By restricting oxygen and nutrient delivery, which are necessary for all stages of wound healing, but it does not specifically interfere with collagen formation.
For neonates what dressings would you avoid?
Hydrogels if they are in incubator setting
Alignate dressings d/t entering system and compromising bloodstream
What does IAD stand for in wound mgt.
Incontinence-associated dermatitis, or diaper dermatitis, has the highest incidence between 7 and 12 months of age (Lund & Singh, 2022).
IAD Treatment
Use a non-irritating, pH-balanced wipe/cleanser, or tepid tap water to clean the diaper area gently without causing further irritation (Lund & Singh, 2022). Then, apply a zinc oxide or petrolatum-based barrier cream to create a protective layer.
Keeping the damaged skin moist is essential to promoting healing, so do not fully remove the protective cream already applied. Remove only the layers contaminated with stool, and then generously reapply the cream.

Candida albicans,
a pathogenic yeast, presents as bright red areas of dermatitis with distinct boundaries and surrounding satellite lesions, typically involving the inguinal folds. Treatment for Candida infections requires an antifungal agent, such as nystatin or imidazoles (e.g., miconazole [Lotrimin®]).
The recommended treatment protocol for Candida infection with skin denuding includes:

(MARSI)
medical adhesive-related skin injury
MARSI Treatment
To treat MARSI, gently clean the area with a pH-balanced cleanser and carefully dry it. Next, apply a silicone-based dressing (e.g., Mepitel®), as it protects the wound without adhering to it and causes minimal tissue damage during removal.
MARSI Prevention
The prevention of MARSI includes the preferred use of the following:
Acrylic-based dressings

Such as 3M™ Tegaderm™, may be required for a stronger adhesion for critical tubes and are an acceptable alternative to silicone-based products.
Hydrocolloid Dressings

Such as DuoDERM®, act as both an adhesive and barrier, allowing for better adherence to curved surfaces and moisture resistance.
Precautions
Avoid the following:
Intravenous Extravasation

occurs when vesicant fluids leak into the surrounding soft tissue from a cannula or vein, leading to blistering, sloughing, and necrosis. Premature infants are at higher risk for more severe skin damage due to the immature skin, less subcutaneous tissue, and small size of their blood vessels (Bryant & Nix, 2024).
Common first signs of extravasation include
Swelling, redness or discoloration, pain, blanching, firmness, and coolness.
Extravasation Treatment
The initial steps for managing IV extravasation are as follows (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2022; Tarpey, 2023):
Antidotes can be administered either through the catheter or directly into the extravasation site with a small-gauge needle (e.g., tuberculin syringe). The choice of antidote and the application of cool/warm compresses is complex and dependent on the properties of the extravasated drug, with antidotes including (Tarpey et al., 2023):
After antidote administration and venous access removal:
Extravasation Wound Treatment
To treat extravasation wounds:

Extravasation Prevention
The following strategies help prevent intravenous extravasation (Lund & Singh, 2022):
In neonates and children, the _____ is the most common area for development of PIs (Caillouette & Quigley, 2020). Other high-risk areas include the ear and nose, with older children and adolescents having PI patterns more similar to those of adults (e.g., sacrum and heels).
occiput
Staging for PIs in neonates and children follows the National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (NPIAP).

See image for all 4 stages
PI Treatment
The selection of products used for PI treatment in neonates and children must take into consideration the following:
PI Treatment
Commonly used commercial products include (Caillouette & Quigley, 2020):

The ___ ____ is the preferred PI risk assessment tool for pediatric patients (Caillouette & Quigley, 2020).
Braden QD Scale
The Braden QD Scale assesses:
Best practices in the prevention of PI in neonates and children include:
What is the FIRST step to take when IV extravasation is suspected?.
Elevate and immobilize the extremity
Disconnect the IV tubing
Stop infusing all medications and fluids
Remove the IV catheter
Stop infusing all medications and fluids
*To prevent further tissue damage. You should NOT remove the IV catheter as it is needed for attempting aspiration of the vesicant and administering an antidote. Disconnecting the IV tubing is important, but it follows the cessation of infusion. Elevating and immobilizing the extremity is a later step aimed at reducing swelling.
Which intervention is recommended to prevent incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) in neonates?
Applying antiseptic creams
Daily application of talcum powder
Cleaning with isopropyl alcohol
Frequent diaper changes
Frequent diaper changes
*reduce skin moisture exposure, helping prevent incontinence-associated dermatitis. Talcum powder is not recommended for use in neonates. Topical antiseptics can delay wound healing. Isopropyl alcohol should be avoided on neonatal skin due to its potential for toxicity and irritation
Which dressing type is preferred for treating medical adhesive-related skin injuries (MARSI) in neonates?
Acrylic-based dressings
Silicone-based dressings
Silver-impregnated dressings
Medical grade honey
Silicone-based dressings
* The treatment of MARSI includes applying a silicone-based dressing to protect the area such as Mepitel. Acrylic-based dressings are used to secure critical tubes. Silver-impregnated and medical grade honey dressings are used in neonatal and pediatric wound care but are not preferred for MARSI.
Why is protein intake crucial for pediatric wound healing?
Enhances fluid balance
Aids in collagen synthesis
Increases vascularity
Promotes tissue repair
Promotes tissue repair
*Protein primarily supports tissue repair and cell growth for wound healing.
Why should products containing alcohol be avoided when treating neonatal wounds?
Increases wound drainage
Causes pH imbalance
Potential toxicity
Promotes epidermal thickening
Potential toxicity
* Alcohol-containing products are potentially toxic to neonates, as their skin permeability allows higher absorption rates than in adults.
Which treatment protocol is recommended for managing incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) complicated by Candida infection?
Antifungal powder, skin protectant, zinc oxide cream
Antifungal powder, zinc oxide cream, skin protectant
Zinc oxide cream, antifungal powder, skin protectant
Zinc oxide cream, skin protectant, antifungal powder
Antifungal powder, skin protectant, zinc oxide cream
The treatment protocol recommended for managing incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) complicated by Candida infection is antifungal powder, skin protectant, and zinc oxide cream.