The perineum and external genitalia are a real skilled focus in the dependent, incontinent resident, who is at high risk for moisture-associated skin damage and pressure/perineal breakdown that, in the sacral/perineal region, can be difficult to heal and can become infected. Complex perineal wounds, catheter-associated genital care, and — rarely but critically — Fournier gangrene (a necrotizing perineal infection) all require skilled care and surveillance. The skilled work is the perineal skin/wound assessment, the specialized moisture and pressure management, and the recognition of a serious infection.
This module proves, on the days it applies, that skilled perineal/genital skin care and observation was reasonable, necessary, and part of the daily skilled need under Pub. 100-02 Chapter 8. The assessment is the same as in home care; the coverage spine is re-pointed. Wound staging and pressure-injury detail route to Skin; incontinence to Continence; a necrotizing infection to the Sepsis overlay.
