Wound Care Guide
Emily McWilliams
Wound Care
Immediate Care:
- Use Universal Precautions: All wounds should be treated as though they have been contaminated with bloodborne pathogens
- FIRST STEP SHOULD ALWAYS TO PUT ON GLOVES!!!
Controlling External Bleeding:
- Direct Pressure:
- Do not remove if blood comes through gauze- add more
- Elevation:
- Continue pressure
- Pressure Points:
- 2 main points:
1. Brachial artery- upper arm
2. Femoral artery- top of the thigh
Dressing:
- Sterile dressing
- Antibacterial ointments- are effective in limiting bacterial growth and preventing wound from sticking to dressing
Abrasions
- Skin scraped against a rough surface
- Top layer of skin wears away
- Often exposed to dirt and foreign materials- increased skin of infection
Laceration
- Sharp or pointed object tears tissues- results in wound wit jagged edges
Incision
- Wound with smooth edges
Puncture wound
- Can easily occur during an activity but could be fatal
- Could introduce tetatnus bacillus to the bloodstream
Avulsion
- Skin is torn from the body- major bleeding
- Place avulsed tissue is moist gauze (saline), plastic bag and immerse in cold water
Are Sutures (Stitches) Necessary?
- Deep lacerations, incisions, and occasionally puncture wounds
- May be needed if the wounds edges cannot easily be pushes back together
- Sutures should be used within 12 hours
- Can use steri-strips if stitches are not required
Wound Infection (5 Signs)
- Pain
- Heat
- Redness
- Swelling
- Disordered Function
- Pus may form due to accumulation of white blood cells
- Fever may develop as immune system fights bacterial infections