Unit 5 Wound Care Padlett by Caroline Robertson _ Student - WakefieldMS

Abrasion

clrobertson7 — 2025-10-06 14:55:31 UTC

An abrasion is a superficial wound caused by friction, scraping away the top layer of skin. Commonly seen in falls or sports injuries.

Initial Care:

- Clean the wound gently with water.

- Apply an antiseptic.

- Cover with a sterile bandage.

Post Care:

- Keep the area clean and dry.

- Change dressings daily.

- No referral needed unless signs of infection appear.

Laceration

clrobertson7 — 2025-10-06 14:59:48 UTC

A laceration is a deep cut or tear in the skin or flesh, often caused by sharp objects like knives or glass.

Initial Care:

- Apply pressure to stop bleeding.

- Clean with saline or water.

- Cover with a sterile dressing.

Post Care:

- May require sutures depending on depth.

- Monitor for infection.

- Referral to urgent care if bleeding persists or wound edges are gaping.

Puncture

clrobertson7 — 2025-10-06 15:01:19 UTC

A puncture wound is a small but deep hole caused by a pointed object like a nail or needle.

Initial Care:

- Clean thoroughly to prevent infection.

- Do not close the wound immediately; allow drainage.

- Apply a sterile bandage.

Post Care:

- Watch for signs of tetanus or infection.

- May require antibiotics.

- Referral for tetanus shot or deep wound assessment.

Incision

clrobertson7 — 2025-10-06 15:03:16 UTC

An incision is a clean, straight cut typically made during surgery or by sharp tools.

Initial Care:

- Keep the wound sterile.

- Apply pressure if bleeding.

- Use a surgical dressing.

Post Care:

- Sutures or staples are often required.

- Follow-up for suture removal.

- Monitor for wound dehiscence or infection.

Avulsion

clrobertson7 — 2025-10-06 15:05:03 UTC

An avulsion is a severe wound where tissue is forcibly detached from the body, often due to trauma.

Initial Care:

- Control bleeding immediately.

- Preserve detached tissue if possible.

- Cover with moist sterile dressing.

Post Care:

- Urgent referral for surgical repair.

- May require skin grafts or advanced wound care.

- Long-term monitoring for healing and infection.

Universal Precautions When Caring For A Wound:

clrobertson7 — 2025-10-06 15:08:47 UTC

Universal precautions are safety measures used to prevent the transmission of infections when dealing with any patient or wound. These are essential for protecting both the caregiver and the patient.

Key Precautions:

- Hand Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly before and after wound care using soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub.

- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

Wear gloves when touching blood, body fluids, or non-intact skin.

Use gowns if there's a risk of splashing.

Wear face masks and eye protection during procedures that may generate sprays.

- Clean Technique:

Use sterile or clean supplies.

Avoid touching sterile items with bare hands.

- Safe Disposal:

Dispose of used dressings, gloves, and other contaminated materials in proper biohazard containers.

- Avoid Cross-Contamination:

Do not reuse supplies between patients.

Clean and disinfect reusable equipment after each use

How to Recognize and Infected Wound

clrobertson7 — 2025-10-06 15:11:36 UTC

An infected wound occurs when bacteria enter and multiply in the wound site. Early recognition is crucial to prevent complications.

Signs of Infection:

- Redness and swelling around the wound

- Warmth in the surrounding skin

- Pain that worsens over time

- Discharge: Yellow, green, or foul-smelling pus

- Fever or Chills

- Red streaks extending from the wound

- Delayed Healing or tissue breakdown

If any of these symptoms appear, seek medical attention promptly. Infections may require antibiotics, wound cultures, or even surgical intervention.