Wound Care
By: Malik Hackney
Abrasion
- skin scarped against rough surface
- top layer of skin wear away
- increase rick for infection
Puncture Wounds
- Can easily occur during activity but could be fatal.
- Could introduce tetanus bacillus to bloodstream
Avulsion
- Skin is torn from body = major bleeding
- Place avulsed tissue in moist gauze (saline), plastic bag and immerse
Different Type of Bleeding
}Arterial
◦Serious, Bright Red, Spurting
◦ WARNING- LOTS OF BLOOD!
}Venous
◦Dark Red, Steady Flow
}Capillary
◦Slow, Oozing, Higher Risk of infection
Controlling External Bleeding
1.Direct pressure
◦Pressure on wound with gauze
◦Do not remove if blood comes through – add more gauze
2.Elevation
◦Elevate above heart if possible – slows bleeding
◦Continue pressure
3.Pressure points
◦apply pressure to an artery to decrease blood flow to an area
◦Brachial artery (upper arm)
◦Femoral artery (top of thigh)
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 be to put on gloves!
◦To minimize infection clean wound with copious amounts of soap, water and sterile solution
Wound Care
}Are sutures (stiches) necessary?
◦Deep lacerations, incisions and occasionally punctures
◦May be needed if the wound edges cannot be easily pushed back together
◦Decision should be made by a physician
◦Sutures should be used within 12 hours
◦Can use steri-strips if stiches are not required