Wound Care Guide
Faith Peoples
Types of Wounds
Abrasion: the skin is scraped against a rough surface; the top layer of skin wears away; if an abrasion is exposed to dirt and foreign materials, if often leads to an increased risk of infection
Laceration: a 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 the bloodstream
Avulsion Wound:
- 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
Wound Care
Immediate Care
- Use universal precaution: All wounds need to be treated as if they carry a bloodeborne pathogen
- First step is to always put on gloves
- To minimize infection: clean wound with copious amounts of soap, water and sterile solution
Dressing
- sterile dressing
- antibacterial ointment are effective in limiting bacterial growth and preventing wound from sticking to dressing
Steps to Control Bleeding
- 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
- 2 main options: Brachial Artery (upper arm) Femoral artery (top of thigh)
Tips for Stitches
- Deep lacerations, incisions and occasionally punctures need stitches
- May be needed if the wound edges can't be easily pushed back together
- Decision should be made by a physician
- Sutures should be used within 12 hours
- Can use steri-strips if stitches are not required
Signs of Wound Infection
5 Signs
- Pain
- Heat
- Redness
- Swelling
- Disordered function
- Pus may form due to accumulation of white blood cells
- Fever may develop as immune system fights bacterial infection