Types of trauma Flashcards
Wounds
A wound is a disruption to the integrity of the skin that leaves the body vulnerable to pain and infection.
The skin is the body’s largest organ and is responsible for protection, sensation, thermoregulation, metabolism, excretion and cosmetic
Physiology of wound healing
Wound healing occurs in four stages, haemostasis, inflammation, proliferation and remodelling, and the appearance of the wound will change as the wound heals.
The goal of wound management is to understand the different stages of wound healing and treat the wound accordingly.
Four stages of wound healing
Haemostasis (occurs within the first few seconds): blood vessels constrict to stop bleeding and form blood clots
The goal of wound management: to stop bleeding
Inflammation (0-4 days): neutrophils and macrophages work to remove debris and prevent infection. Signs and symptoms include redness and swelling.
The goal of wound management: to clean debris and prevent infection
Proliferation (2-24 days): the wound is rebuilt with connective tissue to promote granulation and repair the wound
The goal of wound management: to promote tissue growth and protect the wound
Remodelling (24 days- 1 year): epithelial tissue forms in a moist healing environment
The goal of wound management: to protect new epithelial tissue
Wound classification
Acute wound: a wound which occurs suddenly and progresses through the stages of healing as expected
Chronic wound: a wound which fails to progress or progresses slowly through the stages of healing. Healing can be greater than 4-6 weeks.
Surgical wound: a wound which is secondary to surgical intervention e.g. scalpel incision, surgical drain
Non-surgical wound: an acute or chronic wound which is not secondary to surgical intervention
Classifications
Abrasions – grazes or scratches
Contusions – bruises
Lacerations – cuts or tears
Incised wounds – cuts, slashes or stabs
Bruises
Caused by blunt force trauma
Leakage of blood from ruptured blood vessels (veins, venules and small arteries) into the surrounding tissue.
Lies beneath the intact epidermis
May be seen in muscles or any internal organs.
Often associated with abrasions and lacerations.
Laceration
Full thickness tearing of the skin due to blunt trauma.
Typically seen over bony prominences where tissue is crushed against underlying bone
Defence wounds
Most obvious are those seen in knife attacks.
Fingers, wrists, and forearms
Medico-legal significance, as
They indicate that the victim was conscious
Recording wounds
Describe the anatomic location of wound
Describe the wound
Measure the wound size
Describe the edges
Describe the surrounding tissue (Describe the colour, presence/lack of edema).
