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a superficial wound to the skin caused by scraping against a rough surface, resulting in a scrape or brush burn

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Initial Care:

Gently wash the wound with cool water and mild soap to remove any debris or dirt. Pat dry.

Post Care:

Keep clean and moist with an antibiotic ointment and cover with a non-stick bandage until a scab forms or the wound is healed.

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jagged, irregular tear of the soft tissue, often caused by a blunt object or impact.

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Initial Care:

Control bleeding with direct pressure. Gently clean with water to remove debris if bleeding is controlled.

Post Care:

Referral to a healthcare provider is likely needed for large, deep, or jagged lacerations, as they may require sutures (stitches) to close and heal properly.

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A wound with a smooth, straight cut caused by a sharp object like a knife or glass. Edges are clean and even.

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Initial Care:

Control bleeding with direct pressure. Gently clean with water.

Post Care: Referral to a healthcare provider is often necessary, especially if the cut is deep or long, to determine if sutures or wound glue are needed for proper closure.

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A wound caused by a sharp, pointed object (like a nail or splinter) that pierces the skin and creates a small, deep hole

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Initial Care:

Allow a small amount of bleeding to flush out germs. Clean the outside with soap and water. Do NOT remove an embedded object; seek immediate medical help.

Post Care:

Medical consultation is highly recommended, as puncture wounds have a high risk of infection (especially from tetanus) and may require a tetanus shot and wound check. The wound should be kept covered until healed.

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A serious injury where a portion of the skin or underlying tissue is partially or completely torn away from the body

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Initial Care:

A serious injury where a portion of the skin or underlying tissue is partially or completely torn away from the body.Control bleeding with direct pressure. If a skin flap is present, gently fold it back into place, or wrap the detached part in moist gauze and place it on ice.

Post Care:

Immediate and urgent transport to a medical facility is required. These injuries almost always need surgery or specialized procedures (like skin grafts) for repair.

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An injury to the soft tissue beneath the skin that causes capillaries to rupture and leak blood (a bruise), but the skin itself remains intact.	

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Initial Care:

Apply the RICE method: Rest the injured area, Ice application for 15-20 minutes, Compression if needed, and Elevation.

Post Care:

Pain relievers (like ibuprofen) can manage discomfort. Monitor the area; if swelling or pain is severe or increases, seek medical attention to rule out a more serious underlying injury.

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An injury to the skin or other tissues caused by heat, cold, electricity, chemicals, or radiation (sunlight). They are classified by depth (first, second, third degree).	

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Initial Care:

For minor burns (1st and 2nd degree, smaller than a palm), immerse in cool (not cold) running water for 10-20 minutes. Do NOT apply ice, butter, or oil.

Post Care:

Minor burns can be covered with a sterile, non-stick dressing and a topical antibiotic. Severe burns (large 2nd or any 3rd degree) require immediate emergency medical attention (Call 911) for specialized treatment and potential hospitalization.

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A localized collection of blood outside of blood vessels, often forming a large, swollen lump beneath the skin (larger than a standard bruise).	

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Initial Care:

Apply cold compresses (ice) to help stop internal bleeding and reduce swelling. Elevate the injured area.

Post Care:

Monitor the hematoma for size, color, and pain. Large or rapidly expanding hematomas, or those on the head, require medical evaluation to check for internal injury and potential draining by a doctor.

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The concept of Universal Precaution means treating all human blood and certain other body fluids as if they are known to be infectious for bloodborne diseases, such as HIV and Hepatitis B, regardless of a person's known health status. This is necessary when caring for a wound because the presence of blood or wound fluid means there is a potential for pathogen transmission. The specific personal protective equipment (PPE) needed includes disposable gloves to create a barrier between the caregiver's hands and the patient's body fluids; depending on the situation, a mask and eye protection (goggles or face shield) may also be required if there is a risk of blood or fluid splashes during care, such as with active, severe bleeding.

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Removing gloves properly is a specific technique designed to prevent the contaminated exterior of the gloves from touching the skin. First, with both hands gloved, you should use one gloved hand to pinch the outside of the other glove near the wrist. Next, peel the glove off, turning it inside out, and hold the removed, inside-out glove in the palm of your remaining gloved hand. Then, slide the fingers of your now-bare hand inside the cuff of the second glove, touching only the clean, interior surface. Peel the second glove off, also turning it inside out, so that the first glove is neatly contained within the second one, creating a safe, contained bundle for disposal, after which you must immediately wash your hands.

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3. Recognizing and Treating an Infected Wound

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3. Recognizing and Treating an Infected Wound

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A wound infection is recognized by a collection of signs, often referred to as the classic signs of inflammation, but worsening instead of improving: increased redness and swelling (edema) around the wound; persistent or worsening pain; warmth when touching the area; and the presence of pus (thick, cloudy, yellow, or green drainage) which may have an unpleasant odor. Systemic signs like a fever, chills, or red streaks (lymphangitis) spreading away from the wound also indicate a serious infection. . Treatment for an infected wound typically requires a consultation with a healthcare professional, who will often prescribe antibiotics (oral or intravenous) to kill the bacteria, may need to drain any abscesses or perform debridement (removing infected or dead tissue), and will recommend frequent cleaning and specialized dressing changes.

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4. How to Properly Clean and Dress a Wound

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4. How to Properly Clean and Dress a Wound

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To properly clean and dress a wound to prevent infection, you'll need the following supplies: disposable gloves, mild soap, clean running water or sterile saline, sterile gauze pads, antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly, and a sterile, non-stick dressing or adhesive bandage. First, wash your hands and put on gloves. Next, gently clean the wound by rinsing it under running water or with saline to flush out dirt; use mild soap only on the surrounding skin. Do not use hydrogen peroxide or iodine, which can irritate tissue. After cleaning, gently pat the surrounding skin dry with sterile gauze. Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly to the wound to keep it moist and covered. Finally, cover the wound with a sterile, non-stick dressing and secure it with medical tape or the bandage adhesive, then dispose of your gloves and wash your hands.

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5. Correct Procedure for Disposing of Contaminated Materials

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5. Correct Procedure for Disposing of Contaminated Materials

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The correct procedure for disposing of contaminated materials (such as used gloves, bandages, or gauze) after wound care is to place them in a durable, securely fastened plastic bag, which is then placed in the regular trash receptacle. Any sharps (like needles, glass, or suture removal materials) must be disposed of separately in a puncture-resistant container with a tight lid (like a plastic detergent bottle), which is then sealed and discarded. This procedure is important because it prevents the spread of infection to others, particularly sanitation workers, by containing potentially infectious bodily fluids and creating a barrier against pathogens that might contaminate surfaces or injure those handling the waste.

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6. Handwashing Requirements and Proper Steps

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6. Handwashing Requirements and Proper Steps

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Handwashing is required before and after wound care because it is the single most effective measure for preventing the transfer of pathogens. You must wash your hands before to prevent introducing germs from your hands onto the patient's open wound, minimizing the risk of infection. You must wash your hands after removing your gloves to eliminate any germs that may have penetrated or contaminated your hands during the procedure, protecting yourself and others. The proper steps involve: wetting hands with clean, running water; applying and lathering soap; scrubbing the backs of hands, between fingers, and under nails for at least 20 seconds; rinsing thoroughly under running water; and drying with a clean towel or air dryer.

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7. Signs of Excessive Bleeding and Immediate Steps

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7. Signs of Excessive Bleeding and Immediate Steps

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The signs and symptoms of excessive (severe) bleeding from a wound include blood that is spurting (indicating an arterial injury), blood that is flowing continuously and profusely without slowing, or blood that quickly soaks through dressings or clothing. Further, signs of shock due to significant blood loss, such as a rapid/weak pulse, pale/cool/clammy skin, or dizziness/confusion, are critical indicators. The immediate steps to control excessive bleeding are: first, call 911 or emergency services; second, apply firm, direct pressure to the wound using a clean cloth or sterile dressing; third, if possible, elevate the wounded limb above the heart; and finally, if the blood soaks through, do not remove the first dressing, but immediately add more material on top and continue to press firmly.

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8. Importance of Keeping a Wound Covered and Dressing Changes

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8. Importance of Keeping a Wound Covered and Dressing Changes

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Keeping a wound covered is critically important because the dressing serves as a physical barrier to prevent external contaminants, such as dirt and bacteria, from entering the break in the skin, which is the primary defense against infection. Furthermore, a dressing helps maintain a moist healing environment, which is scientifically proven to promote faster cell regrowth and reduce scarring compared to letting a wound dry out and form a hard scab. A dressing also protects the wound from mechanical injury and absorbs excess drainage. The frequency of dressing changes depends on the type of wound and the amount of drainage; a clean, minor wound should be changed at least once a day or whenever it becomes wet, dirty, or soiled, while a heavily draining or infected wound may need to be changed multiple times a day to keep the wound bed clean and the surrounding skin dry.