Wound Care Padlet by Brett Faulkner _ Student - WakeForestHS

Abrasions

bgfaulkner — 2024-10-08 14:04:27 UTC

Skin scraped against a rough surface
Top layer of skin wears away, exposing numerous blood capillaries
Increases the probability for infection

Initial Care: Clean the wound with soap and water, apply an antibiotic ointment, and cover with a sterile bandage.

Follow-up Care: Reapply ointment and change the bandage daily until healed, watching for signs of infection.

Lacerations

bgfaulkner — 2024-10-08 14:07:52 UTC

Occur when a blunt force is delivered over a sharp bone or a bone that is poorly padded, giving a wound the appearance of a jagged-edge cavity
May also result in skin avulsion

Initial Care: Gently clean with saline solution, apply pressure to stop bleeding, and cover with a clean dressing.

Follow-up Care: Follow up with wound closure if needed, change dressings regularly, and monitor for infection.

Incisions

bgfaulkner — 2024-10-08 14:09:28 UTC

Wounds with smooth edges

Initial Care: Clean the area gently with antiseptic and apply a sterile dressing, keeping it dry.

Follow-up Care: Have suture removal as directed, and monitor the area for infection or complications.

Puncture Wounds

bgfaulkner — 2024-10-08 14:11:47 UTC

Can easily occur during physical activities and can be fatal
Direct penetration of tissues can introduce the tetanus bacillus into the bloodstream, possibly making the athlete a victim of lockjaw
All severe lacerations and puncture wounds should be referred immediately to a physician

Initial Care: Wash with soap and water, apply an antiseptic, and cover with a bandage.

Follow-up Care: Check for signs of infection, ensure tetanus vaccination is up to date, and seek medical care if necessary.

Avulsions

bgfaulkner — 2024-10-08 14:13:49 UTC

Skin is torn from the body
Associated with major bleeding
To reattach the torn tissue, the avulsed tissue should be placed on moist gauze, preferably saturated with saline solution
Should be taken along with the athlete to the hospital for reattachment

Initial Care: Control bleeding with pressure, clean with sterile saline, and cover with a moist, sterile dressing.

Follow-up Care: Follow up with potential surgical care and regular dressing changes to prevent infection.

Universal Precautions

bgfaulkner — 2024-10-08 14:24:00 UTC

Universal precautions for wound care include proper hand hygiene, wearing gloves and other protective gear, using sterile materials, safely disposing of sharps, and disinfecting equipment to prevent infection and the spread of bloodborne pathogens.

Infection

bgfaulkner — 2024-10-10 12:04:04 UTC

A wound infection can be recognized by symptoms such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, pain, or the presence of pus or foul-smelling drainage. Other signs may include delayed healing, fever, or red streaks spreading from the wound, indicating that the infection is spreading.