Wound Care
Types of Wounds
Laceration
Sharp or pointed object tears tissues which results in a wound with jagged edges.
Abrasion
Skin that is scraped against rough surface or top layer of skin wears away exposing capillaries.
Puncture
An injury that is caused by a pointed object that pierces or penetrates the skin.
Avulsion
Skin is torn from body.
Incision
Wound with smooth edges.
How to care for each wound...
1. Wash hands and put on gloves. Use the universal precautions. This includes wearing gloves and treating all blood as if it were infected with a blood born pathogen.
2. Make sure all dressings are sterile.
3. Place gauze over wound and keep applying more over if blood continues to flow. (If avulsion it is best to place avulsed tissue in moist gauze (with saline), plastic bag and immerse in cold water. This kind of wound may need to be taken to the hospital.)
4. Control external bleeding with (in order) direct pressure with step 3, elevation (above heart), and using pressure points.
5. Decide is sutures are necessary as soon as possible. They are usually only needed for deep lacerations or if the wound edges cannot be easily pushed back together. If stitches are not required, steri strips can be used.
Signs of Infection...
-pain
-heat
-redness
-swelling
-disordered function