Dr. Swanson

Terry Swanson is a Wound Management Consultant at South West Healthcare, Warrnambool, Victoria, Australia. Terry completed her nursing in Springfield, Illinois and was a Neurosurgical nurse before immigrating to Australia in 1988. She developed an interest in perioperative nursing and wound management in the early 90’s. Terry completed her post-graduate education in 1996 and was appointed as a wound management consultant in 1997 at South West Healthcare. She manages a nurse-led regional and outpatient wound management service. Terry was a successful candidate for the Nurse Practitioner Victorian Project in 1999/2000 and will be seeking endorsement as a Nurse Practitioner (Wound Management) in 2001. Terry is active professionally by participating on various state and national committees. She is the Vice President of the Australian Wound Management Association, as well as the immediate past president of the Victorian Wound Management Association. Terry is currently undertaking study at the University of South Australia, completing a Masters level advanced pharmacology course. Her professional interests include education, mentoring, lecturing, and advocating for nursing and patient's rights.

Answer:
Nutrition can greatly affect wound healing. Good nutrition is required for the cells in the wound to function at their best. Adequate nutrition will also assist in maintaining a competent immune system and therefore help against infections. Poor nutrition may impair or delay healing. The presence of a wound will increase a person’s nutritional requirements. The exact nutritional needs are dependent on many variables and professional advice from a dietitian or health professional is encouraged. Healthy diets for most people should include a combination of protein, carbohydrate, fat, vitamins, and minerals to avoid deficiencies. Terry Swanson RN WMC