Wound Care Flashcards
Aims of wound treatment
Minimise the risk of infection
Restore function
Repair tissue integrity with strength and optimum cosmetic appearance
What is the process of Initial Management, Wound cleaning and dressing for a wound.
Initial Management:
Achieve haemorrhage control by applying direct pressure with sterile or clean dressing/gauze
If bleeding passes through the first dressing, apply another dressing on top. If bleeding continues DO NOT just apply a further dressing on top: remove, identify the bleeding point and properly apply ‘direct’ pressure onto it.
Elevate the wound if possible
If still bleeding, consider compressing an indirect pressure point proximally
When controlled, assess distal to wound for vascular or neurological impairment
If unable to control haemorrhage, transfer to the ED as soon as possible.
Wound cleaning:
Saline (no proven benefit with Cetrimide or Chlorhexidine)
High-pressure irrigation can be achieved with an 18g needle on a 20ml syringe
Irrigation with a copious quantity of normal saline. “The solution to pollution is dilution”
If embedded debris, then scrub anaesthetised wound with scrubbing or clean tooth brush
Dressings
Only use if necessary
Apply a dry non-adherent dressing that adequately covers the wound
Ensure wound is covered on all four sides
Review dressing after 48 hours or earlier if any signs of infection
Types of dressing: dry dressing, Vaseline gauze, antibacterial dressings etc.
Consider using a layer of Jelonet® or Inadine gauze® to prevent dressing sticking to the wound
