Priorities in nursing management of fistulas in a community setting.
The aim of this article is to discuss care in the community of patients with a fistula. Areas considered include definition and classification of fistulae, potential causal factors and associated diseases. The article concentrates on enterocutaneous fistulation and the care of patients, but also includes a summary about caring for a patient with an anal fistula. The essential elements of nursing in a community setting are described, and information given on skin care, nutrition, fluids and appliances.
Burch
Jennie
J
St Mark's Hospital, Harrow, Middlesex, UK. jennie.burch@nwlh.nhs.uk
D001458:Bandages; D003152:Community Health Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D005440:Fluid Therapy / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D006801:Humans; D007412:Intestinal Fistula / Q000150:complications / Q000451:nursing*; D044342:Malnutrition / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control; D017592:Skin Care / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D054047:Surgical Stomas; D014945:Wound Healing