Signs and Symptoms of Wound Infection and Wound stages

Identify and Respond to emergency situations

Wounds pass through various stages of

healing, as the body starts to fight off potential infection

Inflammation is the body’s

protective response to trauma and invasion by microorganisms; generally localized around site of trauma or infection

Signs of inflammation are

redness, swelling, warmth, and pain

Erythema

superficial reddening of the skin

There are ___ phases of wound healing or restoration of structure and function

three

Inflammatory phase

3 to 4 days; marked by pain, swelling, loss of function at site. A blood clot forms to stop bleeding and plug the opening of a wound. Starts when wound occurs

Proliferating phase

4 to 21 days; Fibrin threads extend across the opening of a wound and pull edges together; cells multiply to repair the wound, and eschar or scab begins to form to keep out micro-organisms. New cells form around damaged tissue

Maturation phase

21 days to 2 years; tissue cells strengthen and tighten the wound closure, forming a scar; scar eventually fades and thins; new tissue covers wound

If wound is not properly healing or staying clean what can happean?

microorganisms can enter the wound and complications occur

Would complications include:

Infections (signs of -itis, swelling, purulent, or puslike drainage, fever); Hemorrhage; Dehiscence; Evisceration

Dehiscence

partial or total separation of a wound’s edges

Evisceration

separation of wound edges and protrusion of abdominal organs

Burns

result from exposure to heat, chemicals, or radiaion

Severity of burn is determine by

location, depth, the size

Which burns are most critical?

injury to the face, arms, legs, genitals

Burns that cover more than ____ of the body surface generally require hospitalization

10%

First degree (superficial) burn

affects only outer layer of skin tissue. Tissue becomes red and discolored, and some slight swelling can occur

Healing of first-degree burn is

rapid

Sunburn or a burn caused by immersing part of the body briefly into hot water is an example of

first degree burns

Second degree (partial-thickness) burn

breaks surface of the skin and injures the underlying tissue; causes greater pain and swelling

Second degree burns result from

severe sunburn and exposure to hot liquids or heat

Appearance of what indicates second degree burn

blisters; mottled or red skin

Second degree burn - skin becomes ____ when plasma is lost through the damaged skin

wet

Third degree (deep-thickness) burn

deep enough that it damages nerves and bones

Tissue is burned to third degree is

charred and white

A third-degree burn causes less pain because

nerves are damaged

Third degree burns result from

exposure to fire, hot water, hot objects, or electricity

Fourth-degree (deep full-thickness) burn goes through

both layer of the skin and underlying tissue as well as deeper tissue, possibly involving muscle and bone

Why is there no feeling in fourth-degree burn?

because nerve endings are destroyed

Fourth degree burn often caused by

flames and chemicals, such as from a hot iron or stove, fireplace, and building fire

For minor burns you should

cool burn by holding are under cool ( but not cold) running water for about 10 mins

If burn is on the face apply a …

cool, wet cloth until pain eases

For mouth burn from hot food or drink

place a piece of ice in the mouth for a few min

Once burn is is cooled apply

lotion like aloe Vera or cocoa butter because it helps prevent drying and provides relief.

Why should you not break a blister if it appears?

it can increase the risk of infection

How should you treat a blister

gently clean area with water and apply an antibiotic ointment

Cover burn with _____ and wrap it loosely to avoid putting pressure on burned skin

clean bandage

What does bandaging do for the wound?

keeps air off surface, reduces pain, and protects blistered skin

Minot burn will need emergency care if it affects

eyes, mouth, hands, or genital areas; older adults and infants as well

Burned areas swell quickly so what is the worry

choking

What should you do in emergency care for burns until help arrives

cover the burn, loosely cover area with gauze, raise area, lift wound above heart, watch for signs of shock such as cool, clammy skin; weak pulse and shallow breathing