Wounds and Wound Care Project by Elizabeth Giles _ Student - ApexFriendshipMS

Abrasion

ergiles — 2025-10-07 15:22:37 UTC

Definition: A superficial rub or scrape where the top layer of skin has been worn off.

Initial Care: Stop the bleeding by applying gentle pressure, clean the wound with mild soap and water, apply ointment to the wound, and cover with a bandage or nonstick gauze.

Post Care: Keep the wound clean by washing it daily with soap and water. Make sure not to pick at the scab, and keep an eye on the wound to make sure it isn't infected.

Laceration

ergiles — 2025-10-07 15:23:49 UTC

Definition: A deep cut or tear through the skin. They normally bleed heavily and need medical attention.

Initial Care: Stop the bleeding by applying firm pressure and elevating the wound. If the bleeding stops, clean the wound with soap and water, apply ointment, and cover with a sterile bandage. If the bleeding doesn't stop or the wound is very deep, seek medical attention.

Post Care: Keep it clean and watch for infection. If the victim receives stitches, follow the doctor's instructions for cleaning.

Incision

ergiles — 2025-10-07 15:25:30 UTC

Definition: A neat or straight cut, typically made by surgeons.

Initial Care: Stop the bleeding with direct pressure, clean the area, and apply ointment and a bandage. If bleeding cannot be stopped, seek medical help.

Post Care: Keep the area clean and dry, and change the bandage frequently.

Puncture

ergiles — 2025-10-07 15:26:42 UTC

Definition: A deep wound caused by a sharp-pointed object.

Initial Care: Remove the object unless it is a large, deeply embedded object. Stop the bleeding by applying direct pressure. Clean the wound with soap and water, and apply ointment and a bandage. See urgent care if the object cannot be removed or is a large object.

Post Care: Change the dressing and clean the wound daily. Keep a close eye on the wound for signs of infection.

Avulsion

ergiles — 2025-10-07 15:28:09 UTC

Definition: Skin is partially or completely torn away, often exposing fat, muscle, or bone.

Initial Care: Control the bleeding by applying pressure and elevating the injured area. If the skin is still attached, put it back in place and cover it with a clean dressing. Before applying the dressing, gently rinse the wound with water. Seek medical attention after getting the wound dressed.

Post Care: Keep the wound clean and change the dressing frequently. Protect the wound until it is fully healed.

Contusion

ergiles — 2025-10-07 15:29:21 UTC

Definition: Blood vessels broken under the skin, causing bruises.

Initial Care: Contusions are usually very minor injuries. If the area is swelling or it hurts the victim to move it, use the RICE method. Rest the body part, ice the area, gently compress, and elevate if possible.

Post Care: Apply ice or heat to the injured area. Do not rush back into intense activity and take pain relievers if necessary.

Hematoma

ergiles — 2025-10-07 15:30:32 UTC

Definition: A more serious bruise. Blood vessels under the skin are broken and appear swollen or bumpy.

Initial Care: Apply ice to the area and elevate if possible. Use the RICE method (rest, ice, compression, and elevation). Seek medical attention if the hematoma is on the head, has intense pain, or has severe swelling.

Post Care: Continue icing the area for the first 48 hours after initial injury. After 48 hours, apply heat to the area.

Burn

ergiles — 2025-10-07 15:31:32 UTC

Definition: An injury to the skin caused by heat, electricity, chemicals, or radiation.

Initial Care: Cool the area under running water for 10 - 20 minutes. Don't use ice and remove any jewelry or other items from the burn. Apply ointment like aloe vera, and cover the burn with a sterile bandage.

Post Care: Keep the area clean and moisturized. Avoid exposing the burn to the Sun or other hot environments.

1. Explain the concept of the universal precaution and what is needed when caring for a wound.

ergiles — 2025-10-08 15:14:34 UTC

Universal precaution is the concept where all human blood and other bodily fluids are treated as if they were infectious for bloodborne pathogens. When caring for a wound, use personal protective equipment (PPE). This includes handwashing before providing care, as well as wearing gloves, aprons, facemasks, and eye protection.

2. Explain, in detail, the proper way to remove gloves.

ergiles — 2025-10-08 15:19:39 UTC

Taking off gloves correctly prevents contamination. Pinch the outside of one glove near the wrist and pull it off, turning it inside out. Hold it in your gloved hand. Slide two bare fingers under the wrist of the second glove and peel it off over the first glove, containing all soiled material inside. Dispose of them safely and wash your hands.

3. Explain how to recognize an infection in a wound. How do you treat an infected wound?

ergiles — 2025-10-08 15:23:45 UTC

Signs of infection are increased redness, pus, worsening pain, increased swelling/warmth, and delayed healing. You can treat this at home by cleaning the wound frequently, applying warmth, and applying ointment. If the infection is severe, seek medical attention, and they may give you antibiotics.

4. Explain, step by step, how to properly clean and dress a wound to prevent infection.

ergiles — 2025-10-08 15:27:29 UTC

Before treating the wound, wash your hands and put on PPE (gloves, apron, facemask, etc). Clean the wound with mild soap and clean water. Use sterile tweezers to remove anything from the wound. Apply antibiotic ointment and cover the wound with a sterile bandage. Change the dressing and monitor the wound daily.

5. Describe the correct procedure for disposing of contaminated materials (such as used gloves, bandages, or gauze) after wound care. Why is this important?

ergiles — 2025-10-08 15:32:50 UTC

Place all the used materials into a sealable plastic bag. If there is significant blood, double-bag the materials. Seal the bag tightly and dispose of it in a trash can. If there are disposable sharp objects, put them in a puncture-proof container before disposal. This is important to prevent infection spread and environmental protection.

6. Explain when and why handwashing is required before and after wound care. What are the proper steps to ensure hands are thoroughly cleaned?

ergiles — 2025-10-08 15:35:50 UTC

Hands should be washed before and after wound care to prevent pathogens and prevent the spread of contamination. To ensure your hands are thoroughly cleaned, remove all hand jewelry, wet your hands, apply soap and scrub for 20+ seconds, rinse the soap off, and dry your hands with a clean towel.

7. Describe the signs and symptoms of excessive bleeding from a wound. What immediate steps should you take to control the bleeding?

ergiles — 2025-10-08 15:38:39 UTC

A wound is excessively bleeding when the blood is spurting or flowing uncontrollably. Immediately call 911 and apply direct pressure. Apply a dressing, elevate the wound, and press down firmly. If a tourniquet is available, use it.

8. Explain the importance of keeping a wound covered. How often should a dressing be changed, and what factors determine this?

ergiles — 2025-10-08 15:41:19 UTC

Keeping a wound covered is important because it prevents infection, maintains moisture, and protects the injury. A dressing should be changed once a day, or whenever the dressing gets wet or dirty. Factors like drainage, presence of infection, and wound progress can alter this.