Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that can cause complications such as diabetic ulcers. Appropriate wound care is needed to maintain wound cleanliness, prevent infection, and support the healing process. One of the interventions that can be applied is wound care using 0.9% NaCl.
This study used a case study method involving one patient with diabetes mellitus and the nursing problem of Impaired Skin Integrity at UPT PSTW Magetan. Wound care using 0.9% NaCl was performed from July 27 to August 2, 2026. Data were collected through assessment, observation, nursing implementation, and evaluation.
The results showed a grade 1 diabetic ulcer on the right foot, with a red wound bed, slight exudate, and dry, hyperpigmented surrounding skin. During the first five days, wound care with 0.9% NaCl once daily made the wound cleaner, but there was no change in wound size. On the sixth and seventh days, the intervention was modified to twice daily with an additional 10-minute 0.9% NaCl compress. The results showed no exudate, partial peeling of dry skin, and reduced pain.
These changes indicated improvement in wound condition but no change in wound size. This condition may have been influenced by age, duration of diabetes mellitus, lower-extremity edema, and impaired circulation.
Wound care using 0.9% NaCl helped maintain wound cleanliness and support wound condition, but did not result in a change in wound size within seven days. Continued wound care and evaluation are needed to support the healing process.