Wound Care Guide
By: Emma Johnson
Abrasions
- Skin scrapped against rough surface
- Top layer of skin wears away
- Often exposed to dirt and foreign materials= increased risk for infection
Puncture Wounds
- Can 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
Wound Care
Immediate Care:
- Use universal precautions: All wounds should be treated as though they have been contaminated with blood-borne pathogens
- First step should always be to put on gloves
- To minimize infection clean wound with copious amounts of soap, water, and sterile solution
Dressing:
- Sterile dressing
- Antibacterial ointments are effective in limiting bacterial growth and preventing wounds from sticking to dressing
Controlling External Bleeding
1. Direct Pressure
- Pressure on would 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:
- 1. Brachial artery= upper arm
- 2. Femoral artery= top of thigh
Are Sutures Necessary?
-Deep lacerations, incisions and occasionally punctures
-May be needed if the wounds edges cannot 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
-May be needed if the wounds edges cannot 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
Sign 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