Wound Care
Maddie Miller
Types of Wounds
Abrasion
- Occurs when the skin is scraped across a rough surface
- Characterized by absence of the top layer of skin
- Often exposed to dirt and other foreign materials, increasing the risk of infection
Laceration
- Occurs when a sharp pr pointed object comes on contact with tissue and tears it
- Characterized by rough, jagged edges
Incision
- Occurs when a sharp object strikes the skin
- Characterized by smooth edges
Puncture
- Occurs when a sharp object protrudes the skin
- Can easily occur during activity, but can be fatal
- Can introduce tetanus bacillus to the bloodstream
Avulsion
- Skin is torn from the body which causes major bleeding
- Avulsed skin should be covered in moist gauze, placed in a plastics bag, and put on ice
- Take to hospital fro reattachment
Controlling Bleeding
- Apply direct pressure to the wound with gauze
- Elevate the affected area above the heart, while continually applying pressure
- Apply pressure to one of the pressure points to decrease blood flow to an area
Dressing Wounds
- sterile dressing
- antibacterial ointment can be used
Safetey Measures
Universal precautions should be followed at all times: gloves should always be worn and sterile practices should be followed
Stitches should be used when...
- wounds are deep
- they cannot easily be pushed back together
- decision made by a physician
- action should be taken within 12 hours
Signs of Infection
- Pain
- Heat
- Redness
- Swelling
- Disordered Function