Cleaning the wound

Question 1

Describing the wound

Answer 1

Verbalises:
- Size -
- Appearance -
- Tissue type -
- Surrounding skin -
- Exudate -
- Odour -

Question 2

What are the important notes when cleaning a wound?

Answer 2

• Choose the correct approach
  based on the shape of the
  wound.
• Round - Going in circles
• Straight - Going straight
• No dabbing or tapping, circular motions only
• Use one gauze swab, in one
  direction only (with gravity)
• Do not dry the wound, only dry
  the surrounding skin.

Question 3

Cleaning the wound

Answer 3

Action - Clean the wound from clean to dirty then only dry the periwound with dry gauze.
Speech - “I will now clean the wound, ensuring that I clean from clean to dirty. I won’t retrace where I wipe, moving in only one direction with each swab. When drying, I’ll use the two gauzes to only dry the periwound area, not the wound.”

Question 4

Applying the new bandages

Answer 4

Action - Apply the primary bandage
Action - Apply the secondary bandage with tape.

Question 5

Document

Answer 5

• Verbalise documentation of the wound assessment and dressing change.
  Speech - “After I change the dressing, I will complete the necessary documentation, including filling out the dressing change record with the date, time, my signature, and when the next wound change is scheduled.”

Question 6

Therapeutic Communication

Answer 6

• “Okay, Jack, all done! Are you feeling comfortable?”
• “Are you still in pain? Here’s your call bell—let me know if you need anything. Is there anything else I can do for you before I go?”
• Hand Hygiene