Types of Wounds and Care by Brynn Martin

Abrasions

bmartin192 — 2023-10-25 13:29:15 UTC

Abrasions are common conditions in which the skin is scraped against a rough surface.

Initial Care

Cleanse and debride wound bed with normal saline or tap water irrigation
Cleanse peri-wound tissues with saline or tap water irrigation or scrub with sterile gauze soaked with saline, tap water, or antiseptic
Dry the peri-wound tissues
Dress the wound with a nonocclusive or occlusive dressing based on wound depth and amount of exudate.
Apply a secondary dressing if needed

Follow-up care

Change dressing based on type; visually inspect daily for adverse reactions and infections

Laceration

bmartin192 — 2023-10-25 13:36:24 UTC

Lacerations occur when a blunt force has been delivered over a sharp bone or a bone that is poorly padded giving a wound the appearance of a jagged-edge cavity

Initial Care

Cleanse and debride wound with saline or tap water irrigation. Avoid using tap water if bone or tendon is exposed.
Cleanse periwound tissues with irrigation or scrubbing
Dry the periwound tissues
Tissue approximation and closure will depends on wound length, width, depth, and location

Follow-Up Care

Change dressing based on type: visually inspect daily for adverse reaction and infection

Incision

bmartin192 — 2023-10-25 13:40:00 UTC

Incisions are wounds with smooth edges that often appear where a sharp or pointed object such as a knife or a piece of glass tears the skin

Initial Care

Cleanse and debride wound with saline or tap water irrigation. Avoid using tap water if bone or tendon is exposed.
Cleanse periwound tissues with irrigation or scrubbing
Dry the periwound tissues
Tissue approximation and closure will depends on wound length, width, depth, and location

Follow-Up Care

Change dressing based on type: visually inspect daily for adverse reaction and infection

Puncture

bmartin192 — 2023-10-25 13:48:26 UTC

Punctures are direct penetration of tissues by a pointed object. It can introduce the tetanus bacillus into the bloodstream.

Initial Care

Remove all small visible objects with a sterile instrument. Avoid pushing the object deeper into the cavity. Allow bleeding to occur to self-cleanse the wound. Control venous on arterial bleeding
Cleanse the wound and periwound tissues with saline and tap water irrigation. Use gentle irrigation to prevent pushing debris and bacteria into the cavity
Dress wound with non-occlusive or occlusive dressing based on the wound depth and amount of exudate

Follow-Up Care

Closely monitor patient and wound area daily for adverse reactions and infections; change dressing based on type; check tetanus immunization

Avulsion

bmartin192 — 2023-10-25 13:55:15 UTC

Avulsions occur when skin is torn from the body, they are frequently associated with major bleeding.

Initial Care

Cleanse and debride wound with saline or tap water irrigation. Avoid using tap water if exposed bone or tendon is present
Apply saline-soaked gauze over the wound and cover with additional gauze
Gently irrigate completely avulsed tissue with saline
Wrap the avulsed tissue in saline-soaked gauze and place a watertight bag. Place the bag in ice water or on top of an ice bag. Avoid direct contact of the tissue with the ice
Refer to a physician for further cleansing and evaluation

Follow-Up Care

Closely monitor patient and wound area daily for adverse reactions and infections; change dressing based on type; check tetanus immunization

Universal Precautions

bmartin192 — 2023-10-25 14:01:33 UTC

Using disposable gloves and other protective barriers while examining all patients and while handling needles, scalpels, and other sharp instruments
Washing hands and other skin surfaces that are contaminated with blood or body fluids immediately after a procedure or examination
Changing gloves between patients and never reuse gloves

Recognize an Infected Wound

bmartin192 — 2023-10-25 14:06:34 UTC

The signs of infection are the same as for inflammation, including pain, heat, redness, swelling, and disordered function. Also, pus may form due to an accumulation of white blood cells, and a fever may occur as the immune system fights the bacterial infection.

Another type of infection is Tetanus which is a bacterial infection that causes fever and convulsions. Tetanus infections occur the most in puncture wounds.