Wound Management Flashcards
Rates of infection for repaired wound?
6.5%
Why are crush injuries difficult to heal?
It creates devitalized tissue
What’s most important regarding tetanus status?
If they recieved 3-shot regimen as a child
When do you need a tetanus booster?
- Minor, unconcerning wound: 10 years
2. Major or concerning wound: within 5 years
When would you give tetanus immune globulin?
If it’s a major or dirty wound, and you don’t know if patient has received primary series
What’s in LET?
- Lidocaine
- Epinephrine
- Tetracaine
How do you know if LET is working?
Look for pallor at the edges
How does LET get absorbed?
Only through wounds, not through intact skin
Where shouldn’t you use LET?
Fingers, nose, penis, toes
Why is injecting too much anesthetic a bad idea?
It can distort the wound and hinder proper closure
How long does bupivicaine work?
4x longer than lidocaine
Why does lidocaine hurt with injection?
It’s stored in acidic solution
What are two benefits with lidocaine with epi?
- Can help control bleeding
2. Epi makes agent work longer
How do you perform a digital nerve block?
- Place needle on dorsum of hand, lateral to MCP
- Inject and slowly retract (to hit the palmar and dorsal nerve)
- Repeat on the other lateral side of the joint
**There are 4 nerves per finger, so you need to get them all
What is the most important factor to prevent wound infection?
Copious, copious irrigation (tap water equivalent to normal saline)
The solution to pollution is dilution
