1. Leech therapy.
- Author
-
Yantis MA, O'Toole KN, and Ring P
- Subjects
- Animals, Attitude to Health, Contraindications, Hirudo medicinalis, Humans, Infection Control methods, Leeching psychology, Medical Waste Disposal methods, Nurse's Role, Nursing Assessment, Patient Education as Topic, Patient Selection, Risk Factors, Skin Care methods, Skin Care nursing, Venous Insufficiency etiology, Venous Insufficiency prevention & control, Leeching methods, Leeching nursing
- Abstract
Leech therapy is experiencing a resurgence in health care today, primarily in plastic and reconstructive surgery as a treatment for venous congestion, which can threaten surgical outcomes. Most nurses have had no formal training in administering the therapy or in maintaining Hirudo medicinalis, the species of freshwater worm used therapeutically. Yet nurses may be expected to participate in this therapy in a variety of clinical settings and can use these guidelines for the safe and effective use of the leech in treatment.
- Published
- 2009
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