Types of Wounds
Abrasions
- Where the skin is scrapped against a rough surface
- Top layer of skin has ben worn away
- Most often gets exposed to dirt. Which can increase risk for infection
Laceration
- Sharp or pointed objects that can tear the tissue with jagged edges
Incision
- Where the wound has smooth edges around it
Puncture wounds
- Can occur during activity but could be fatal
- Tetatnus bacillus could enter the bloodstream.
Avulsion wounds
- Where the skin has been torn from the body and there is major bleeding
- Place avulsed tissue in moist gauze (saline), plastic bag and immerse in cold water
- Take to hospital for reattachment
Precautions when taking care of wounds
Controlling external bleeding
- There are 3 different ways to control bleeding such as: Direct, elevation, and pressure points.
- With direct you want to put pressure on the wound with gauze and if the bleeding goes through, add more gauze!
- Next you'll want to elevate above the heart (if possible) and continue with the pressure
- Lastly apply pressure to an artery to decrease the blood flow to the area.
- You can apply pressure to the Brachial artery- upper arm
- Or apply pressure to the Femoral artery- top of thigh
Wound care
For immediate care you would use Universal precautions - to treat all wounds as if they've been contaminated with blood borne pathogens.
- First step: To ALWAYS wear gloves
- Clean wounds with soap, water and sterile solution
When are suture (stitches) necessary?
- Deep lacerations, incisions, and occasionally punctures
- If wound edges, it may be needed
- Cannot be easily pushed back together
- A physician should make the decisions
- Within 12 years, sutures can then be used
- If stitches are not required, you can then use steri-strips
5 signs of wound infections
- Pain
- Heart
- Redness
- Swelling
- Disordered function