Lecture 5: Traumatic Wounds

What are the 8 main types of traumatic wounds?

1. contusion
2. abrasion
3. laceration
4. bite
5. puncture
6. impalement
7. avulsion/degloving
8. crush injury
9. burn

With trauma wounds, how do we treat the cause? (2)

1. protect the area from further trauma
2. protect area from water, dirt ; keep covered in shower/bath if possible

Surgical wounds may be closed or left open, depending on what?

on tissue tension and dirty vs clean site

What are post-surgical wounds and surgical site infections subject to?

the same risks of non-healing as other types of wounds, especially if pt has co-morbidities

With surgical site infection, whats the steps to treat the cause? (4)

1. communicate w physician if infection is not controlled
2. check for remaining sutures (generally removed 10-14 ays p/o ) causing irritation or stitch abscess. Obtain clearance from surgeon to remove, never remove unless DR says to
3. check for factors causing trauma (clothes, boot, etc.)
4. control edema

If active signs of infection, call physician to report status of wound if..? (2)

1. pt not on PO or IV antibiotics
2. has been on PO or IV antibiotics 3-4+ days and not improving

If there are active signs of infection, what two things should you do?

1. consider having pt evaluated by a physician
2. document your communication w physician

If you suspect cancerous skin spots, how should you treat the cause? (3)

1. contact physician to relate findings and ask for biopsy
2. document your communication with physician
3. protect area and/or manage exudate as needed with dressing