Wound Care Guide
By: Kadie Snipes
Abrasions
- Skin scraped against rough surface
- Top layer of skin wears away
- Often exposed to dirt and foreign materials=increased risk for infection
Laceration
- Sharp or pointed object tears tissues-results in wound with jagged edges
Incision
- Wound with smooth edges
Puncture Wound
- Can easily occur during activity but could be fatal
- Could introduce tetanus bacillus to bloodstream
Avulsion Wounds
- Skin is torn from body=major bleeding
- place avulsed tissue in moist gauze (saline), plastic bag and immerse in cold water
- Take to hospital for reattachment
Instructions for Wound Care
Controlling External Bleeding
- Apply direct pressure with gauze-if blood comes through gauze, apply more gauze to top
- Elevate wound above heart if possible-bleeding will slow but keep pressure to wound
- Apply pressure to an artery to decrease blood flow to an area
Immediate Care
- Always use universal precautions: All wounds should be treated as though they have been contaminated with bloodborne pathogens
- Put on gloves
- Clean wounds with soap, water and sterile solution
Dressing
- Sterile dressing
- Antibacterial ointments are effective in limiting bacterial growth and preventing wound from sticking to dressing
When To Use Sutures
Sutures (stitches) Necessary?
- deep lacerations, incisions and occasionally punctures
- Might be needed if wound edges cannot be pushed back together easily
- Physician must make decision
- Sutures should be used within 12 hours of injury
- Can use sterile tips if stitches are not required
Signs of Wound Infection
Wound Infection
- Pain
- Heal
- Redness
- Swelling
- Disordered Function
- Pus may form due to accumulation of white blood cells
- Fever May develop as immune system fights bacterial infection
Reduce Risk of Infection
- Make sure all instruments used are sterilized
- Wash hands and put on non-latex gloves
- clean a skin lesion using soap and water
- Place a non-medical dressing on lesion if athlete is being sent for medical attention
- Avoid touching parts of a sterile dressing that will come in contact with the wound
- Place medication on pad rather than directly on the skin
- Secure dressing with tape or wrap