There are multiple opportunities for the use of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of skin and soft tissue differentials. Ultrasonography is inexpensive, easily reproducible, and able to provide real-time data in situations where condition changes and progression are common. Not only does bedside ultrasonography provide the clinician an in-depth look beyond epidermal structures into body cavities, it remains a safe, nonionizing radiating, effective, cost-efficient, reliable, and accessible tool for the emergency management of life- and limb-threatening integumentary infections. Unnecessary invasive procedures are minimized, providing improved patient outcomes. Integumentary abnormalities secondary to trauma, surgery, and hospitalization are common among critical care patients. This article provides a brief overview and evidence-based recommendations for the use of ultrasonography in the critical care setting for integumentary system conditions, including common skin and soft tissue differentials, foreign bodies, and burn depth assessment.
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Fall 2023
Symposium: Point-of-Care Ultrasonography in Critical Care: Part 2|
September 15 2023
Ultrasonography for Skin and Soft Tissue Infections, Noninfectious Cysts, Foreign Bodies, and Burns in the Critical Care Setting
Kelli A. Craven, DNP, ENP-C, FNP-BC, NRP;
Kelli A. Craven, DNP, ENP-C, FNP-BC, NRP
Kelli A. Craven is Critical Care Nurse Practitioner Trauma and General Surgery, My Michigan Medical Center Midland, 4000 Wellness Dr, Midland, MI 48670 ([email protected]).
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Kyle Luckey-Smith, MSN, MSc, ACNP-AG, CCRN, CFRN, FP-C;
Kyle Luckey-Smith, MSN, MSc, ACNP-AG, CCRN, CFRN, FP-C
Kyle Luckey-Smith is Flight Nurse, Vanderbilt University Medical Center LifeFlight, Nashville, Tennessee.
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Susanna Rudy, DNP, MSN, MFS, ACNP-AG, FNP-BC, ENP, CCRN
Susanna Rudy, DNP, MSN, MFS, ACNP-AG, FNP-BC, ENP, CCRN
Susanna Rudy is Instructor, Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, Emergency Nurse Practitioner, and Critical Care Nurse Practitioner, Nashville, Tennessee.
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AACN Adv Crit Care (2023) 34 (3): 228–239.
Citation
Kelli A. Craven, Kyle Luckey-Smith, Susanna Rudy; Ultrasonography for Skin and Soft Tissue Infections, Noninfectious Cysts, Foreign Bodies, and Burns in the Critical Care Setting. AACN Adv Crit Care 15 September 2023; 34 (3): 228–239. doi: https://doi.org/10.4037/aacnacc2023182
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