Wound Care by jose

Abrasion Wound

vJoxse — 2023-11-02 14:11:12 UTC

An abrasion wound is skin that's scraped against a rough surface

Top later of skin wears away, exposing numerous blood capillaries (increase the probability for an infection)

Lacerations wound

vJoxse — 2023-11-02 14:17:21 UTC

This type of wound occurs 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)

Incision wound

vJoxse — 2023-11-02 14:18:37 UTC

Wounds with smooth edges

Puncture wound

vJoxse — 2023-11-02 14:21:29 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

Avulsion wound

vJoxse — 2023-11-02 14:24:01 UTC

Skin is torn from the body

Associated with major bleeding

To reattach the torn tissue, the avulsed tissue should be placed on a moist gauze, preferably saturated with saline solution (should be taken along with the athlete to the hospital for reattachment

The initial care

vJoxse — 2023-11-02 14:27:17 UTC

Open wounds should be cared for immediately

All wounds should be treated as though they have been contaminated with microorganisms

Must be cleaned, medicated (when called for), and dressed as soon as possible

To minimize the chances of infection, the wound should be cleaned with copious amounts of soap and water or sterile solution

Avoid using hydrogen peroxide and bacterial solutions initially

Dressing

vJoxse — 2023-11-02 14:27:46 UTC

Dressing

Sterile dressing should be applied to keep fresh wounds clean
Occlusive dressings provide a complete barrier around and over a wound and are air-tight and water-tight
Antibacterial ointments are effective in limiting surface bacterial growth and prevent the dressing from sticking to the wound
Saline solution is recommended for cleaning wounds repeatedly

Post care

vJoxse — 2023-11-02 14:28:21 UTC

Deep lacerations, incisions, or occasionally puncture wounds may require some sort of manual closure using sutures

Physician determines the severity of the wound and whether sutures are needed to close the wound

Sutures should be put in within 12 hours following injury

Fine suture material and minimal tightening limit any additional tissue damage, inflammation, and scarring

Physician may decide that the torn tissues may be approximated using steri-strips, butterfly bandages, or skin glue

Universal procautions

vJoxse — 2023-11-02 14:30:29 UTC

Wear gloves during all stages of wound care including when applying new dressings. Don gloves after preforming hand hygiene. During an individual resident's wound care, doff gloves every time when going from dirty to clean surfaces or supplies

How to recognize an infection in a wound

vJoxse — 2023-11-02 14:33:48 UTC

Same as those for inflammation

Pain, heat, redness, swelling, and disordered function

Pus may form due to the accumulation of white blood cells

Fever may occur as the immune system fights bacterial infection

Most wound infections can be treated with antibiotics

Some strains of Staphylococcus aureus have become resistant to some antibiotics

Bacteria is known as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (M R S A) and is more difficult to treat
Infections tend to become more severe than they may otherwise have been if the cause of the infection is not diagnosed early, and antibiotics that are given at first may not work