Wound Care

Question 1

What is the most important phyiscal exam component when examining acute wounds?

Answer 1

Complete neurovascular exam distal to the injury

Question 2

Should wounds be soaked in water or other solutions?

Answer 2

NO! It does not reduce the risk of infectino and may actually increase infection risk

Question 3

Where is lidocaine with epinephrine absolutely contraindicated?

Answer 3

anything with a single blood supply and fingers, nose, penis, toes, and ears

Question 4

Prior to injecting anesthesia, what should be evaluated and documented?

Answer 4

a complete neurological exam of the area

Question 5

What are some examples of nonabsorbable and absorbable suture materials?

Answer 5

Nonabsorbable: Ethilon or Prolene

Absorbable: Vicryl, Polysorb

Question 6

For patients with low risk of infection who undergo routine laceration repair with sutures, should you prescribe prophylactic antibiotics?

Answer 6

NO

Question 7

Which patients are at an increased risk for infection and should therefore recieve prophylactic antibiotics?

Answer 7

animal/human bites

intraoral lacerations

open fractures

wounds into cartilage, joints or tendons

wounds with excessive contamination

wounds with vascular insuffieciency

immunocompromised patients

Question 8

While all open ulcers/wounds are colonized with bacteria, which wounds should be addressed with culture and antibiotics?

Answer 8

only wounds with clinically evident infections