The patient's overall health status will affect the speed of the healing process. The following are factors that should
be considered by the surgical team prior to and during the procedure.

• THE PATIENT'S AGE--With aging, both skin and muscle tissue lose their tone and
elasticity. Metabolism also slows, and circulation may be impaired. All of these factors
lengthen healing time.
• THE PATIENT'S WEIGHT--In obese patients of any age, excess fat at the wound site
may prevent securing a good closure. In addition, fat does not have a rich blood supply,
making it the most vulnerable of all tissues to trauma and infection.
• THE PATIENT'S NUTRITIONAL STATUS--Deficiencies in carbohydrates, proteins,
zinc, and vitamins A, B, and C can impair the healing process. Adequate nutrition is
essential to support cellular activity and collagen synthesis at the wound site.
• DEHYDRATION--If the patient's system has been depleted of fluids, the resulting
electrolyte......

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Title: Patient Factors That Affect Wound Healing
Approximate Word Count: 498
Approximate Pages: 2 (250 words per double-spaced page)

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