As an individual ages, the integumentary changes which impacts not only wound healing but potential for wounds to occur. This course will review the aging issues of the integumentary system to allow the clinician to differentiate between physiological and pathological changes. The clinician will be able to adequately address risk factors, clinical assessment and management of integumentary conditions, and develop PT plan of care related to the integumentary system. Included will be common pathologies, atypical wounds, interventions for pain management and end of life issues with emphasis on the role of the Physical Therapist.

Learning Objectives:

Following the course, the participants will:

1. Discuss the impact biological aging of the integumentary system has on the wound healing process.
2. Correlate integumentary changes to potential underlying pathologies.
3. Analyze the risk factors (intrinsic and extrinsic) associated with integumentary pathologies.
4. Differentiate the various integument conditions commonly seen in aging adults.
5. Recognize PT role in end of life care related to identifying skin failure and palliative care issues.

Course Instructions

1. Click on the Contents tab to watch the course recording.
2. Click the Take Quiz button to complete the assessment. Learners will have 3 attempts to pass and must answer at least 70% of questions correctly.
3. Click Fill Out Survey under the Evaluation listing to provide valuable course feedback. Scroll down on all questions as there may be answer options that expand past the size of the window.
4. Click the View/Print Your Certificate button under the Certificate listing. You can view/print your certificate at any time by visiting the APTA Learning Center and clicking the CEU Certificate/Transcript link on the left-hand side of the page. 

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