Soft Tissue Injuries Flashcards
Bruise
Contusion
Soft tissue injuries may be categorized as (3):
Wounds, opened and closed
Muscle or tendon strains
Ligament sprains
Any combination of the above
Discoloration of the skin due to bruising
Ecchymosis
Swelling
Hematoma
Closed wounds that must be referred to medical aid include (3):
Significant ones around joints
that impair distal circulation
with nerve impairment
5 types of open wounds
Abrasion Amputation Avulsion Laceration Puncture
A scrape
Abrasion
A cut
Laceration
Be especially wary of puncture wounds in which areas
To the neck, chest, abdomen, or groin
Avulsion
Full thickness of skin is lost, exposing deeper tissues
Application of cold
On for 10 minutes, remove it for 5
7 referrals to medical aid
Wounds longer than 3 cm through the full thickness of skin
Wounds to the palm or back of hand
Requiring sutures
Very dirty wounds
Human or animal bites
Wounds with embedded foreign materials
Significant burns:
2nd-degree covering less than 10% of the body surface
3rd-degree covering less than 2% of the body surface
RTC Burns (2):
Second-degree covering more than 10% of the body surface
Third-degree covering more than 2% of the body surface
Three guidelines when applying cold
Do not apply if distal circulation is impaired
Do not apply directly to the skin
On for 10, off for five minutes
Five wounds that require sutures
Jagged- edges or where flesh is destroyed
Avulsion- Flap of full thickness skin
Gaping- when cleaned and difficult to close
Joints- Wounds over joints
Facial
Cleansing of serious wounds
Limited to brushing away of gross contaminants
Puncture wound soak solution
1 part concentrated antibacterial detergent to 20 parts water
Cleaning inside a wound
Sterile guaze and normal saline
Skin closures should remain on
For 7 to 10 days
Re tetanus immunization for cleaning wounds
Within the past 10 years is adequate for cleaning minor wounds, 5 years for all other wounds
… Otherwise advise to get such immunization within 36 hours
Report back for redressing
if (4 parts)
Dressings become wet or soiled
There is an increase in pain in the area
Tingling or a loss of sensation develops in or distal to the area
Signs of infection
… Otherwise follow up in 24 hours
Signs of infection
Redness Heat Swelling Tenderness * Red streaks extending from the area (indicating blood poison)
Dressings should be changed
Every two days
Puncture wounds should be soaked
Either in warm normal saline or diluted antibacterial solution for 15 to 20 minutes
Foreign object penetrating a joint
Must be immobilized and referred to medical attention
Subungual hematoma
Blood beneath the nail bed
Abscess treatment
Local application of hot or warm compresses for a day or two until the core discharges
Refer abscess to medical aid if
Involves face, neck, groin, or buttocks
Patient is generally feeling sick or has a fever
f the local measures do not seem effective within 1 to 2 days
4 types of infection-causing microorganisms are
Bacteria
Viruses
Fungi
Parasites
Tetanus A.k.a.
Lockjaw
A serious infectious complication of a wound. It is caused by infection from bacteria that inhabit the intestine of domestic animals.
Signs of tetanus may develop when?
As soon as 3 days or as late as 3 weeks. The average time is 7 days
Patients suspected of having tetanus are in which category
RTC
Established tetanus has a mortality rate of
40%
Crackling beneath the skin
Crepitus
Mostly characteristic of gas gangrene
Patients suspected of having gangrene are
RTC
Flesh eating disease
Necrotizing fasciitis
Important clue to this disease is the disproportionate pain to the type of wound or injury
Patients suspected of having necrotizing fasciitis are
RTC
Management of severed parts
Clean off gross matter-do not scrub
Wrap in moistened, sterile gauze
Place in waterproof bag
Place in larger bag which has either cold water or ice DO NOT FREEZE THE PART
Define syndrome
A set of symptoms or signs that occur together Example a classic crush syndrome
