Mia Todd Types of Wounds and Care Padlet by Mia Todd _ Student - WakefieldMS

Abrasions (Scrapes)

mttodd — 2025-10-07 13:01:38 UTC

Definition: Superficial wound where the top layer of skin is scraped off (Has minimal bleeding)

Initial Care: Wash thoroughly with soap and water for several minutes to remove all dirt/debris.

Follow up Care: Apply antibiotic ointment and a sterile, non-stick bandage. A referral is Generally NOT needed.

Lacerations (Cuts)

mttodd — 2025-10-07 13:02:05 UTC

Definition: A wound with jagged, irregular edges caused by a tearing of skin and tissue from blunt trauma or a sharp object.

Initial Care: Control bleeding using firm, direct pressure and elevation. Gently clean the wound with soap and water.

Follow up Care: Apply a sterile dressing. Referral/Sutures: NEEDED if the cut is deep, gaping, longer than 1/2 inch, or involves the face/joints.

Puncture Wounds

mttodd — 2025-10-07 13:02:39 UTC

Definition: A deep, narrow wound caused by a pointed object (nail, tooth) piercing the skin. High risk of deep infection.
Initial Care: DON´T remove deeply embedded objects. Stabilize and control external bleeding with pressure around the object.
Post Care & Referral: Apply a sterile dressing. Referral/Sutures: IMMEDIATE REFERRAL to a physician is ALWAYS NECESSARY (often not sutured due to infection risk).

Avulsions

mttodd — 2025-10-07 13:03:34 UTC

Definition: A severe injury where a flap of skin and/or tissue is partially or completely torn away from the body.
Initial Care: Control severe bleeding with firm, direct pressure and elevation. Gently place any remaining skin flap back into its position.
Post Care & Referral: Dress the wound. Referral/Sutures: IMMEDIATE REFERRAL to a physician is ALWAYS NECESSARY for surgical repair or grafting.

Incisions

mttodd — 2025-10-07 13:04:18 UTC

Definition: A clean, straight cut in the skin, typically created intentionally using a sharp instrument.
Initial Care: For fresh injuries, control bleeding with direct pressure. Follow specific surgical site instructions.
Post Care & Referral: Keep the area clean and dry. Referral/Sutures: Necessary if the incision re-opens, swells, or shows signs of infection.

Universal Precautions

mttodd — 2025-10-07 13:15:12 UTC

Universal precautions are infection control guidelines requiring all human blood and certain body fluids to be treated as if they are infectious for bloodborne pathogens like HIV and hepatitis B.

WHAT'S NEEDED:

Wear PPE: Always use non-latex gloves (and eye
protection/face shields if splashing is possible) when touching blood or body fluids.
Hand Hygiene: Wash hands with soap and water immediately after removing gloves and after care is finished.
Use Barriers: Use barrier devices when providing rescue breathing or CPR.

How to Recognize an Infection

mttodd — 2025-10-07 13:16:44 UTC

Infections usually have:

Increased Redness and Swelling
around the wound.
Warmth or heat in the injured area.
Pain that gets worse, not better.
Pus/Discharge
Red Streaks extending away from the wound.
Fever or chills.