Acute Wound Management & Infection Control

Vocabulary flashcards covering infection control, skin anatomy, wound types, and acute bleeding management from the lecture.

Hepatitis B (HBV)

A blood-borne viral infection; preventable with a three-dose vaccine series given at 0, 1 (or 3), and 6 months.

HBV Titer

Blood test that measures antibody levels to verify immunity after hepatitis B vaccination.

Chickenpox (Varicella-Zoster)

A herpes-family virus once commonly acquired in childhood; now largely prevented through vaccination.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Items such as gloves, masks, and eye protection that create a barrier between provider and patient to reduce infection risk.

“If it’s wet and not yours…”

Mnemonic reminding clinicians to avoid direct contact with bodily fluids and always use PPE.

Epidermis

The outermost skin layer providing an initial barrier against pathogens and fluid loss.

Dermis

Skin layer beneath the epidermis containing capillaries, nerve endings, hair follicles, and sweat glands.

Subcutaneous Fat (Adipose Tissue)

Layer of fat under the dermis that cushions, insulates, and stores energy.

Mucosal Membrane

Moist lining of body cavities such as mouth, nose, and eye sockets; more sensitive and infection-prone than external skin.

Hand Sanitizer Burn

Stinging sensation when alcohol sanitizer contacts micro-cracks in dry skin, highlighting compromised barriers.

Closed Wound

Injury where tissue damage and bleeding remain internal (e.g., contusion, hematoma).

Open Wound

Injury that breaks the skin surface, exposing underlying tissue to the environment (e.g., laceration, abrasion).

Abrasion

Superficial scraping of skin, often painful due to many exposed nerve endings; example: turf burn.

Laceration

Jagged, uncontrolled tear in skin caused by external force such as a cleat or nail.

Incision

Clean, straight cut produced by a sharp instrument; typical of surgical wounds.

Avulsion

Injury in which tissue is torn off, creating a flap and exposing deeper structures; high infection risk.

Penetrating Wound

Object enters body and may stay embedded or pass through, creating an entry point and potential internal damage.

Puncture Wound

Narrow, deep wound from a pointed object (e.g., nail); object often remains in place and should not be removed on scene.

Blister

Fluid-filled separation of epidermis from dermis due to friction; popping increases infection risk.

Direct Pressure

Primary method to control external bleeding by firmly compressing the wound.

Elevation

Raising injured limb above heart level to reduce blood flow and swelling.

Tourniquet

Device applied proximal to severe limb bleeding to occlude blood flow when direct pressure fails.

Hypovolemic Shock

Life-threatening condition from significant fluid or blood loss reducing circulating volume.

Hemorrhagic Shock

Subtype of hypovolemic shock specifically caused by uncontrolled bleeding.

Compartment Syndrome

Dangerous pressure buildup within a closed fascial compartment that impairs circulation and nerve function.

Crush Syndrome

Systemic complications (including rhabdomyolysis) from prolonged tissue compression causing muscle breakdown.

Rhabdomyolysis

Breakdown of muscle fibers releasing myoglobin into bloodstream, potentially leading to kidney failure.

Hydrocollator Hot Pack

Moist heat modality; excessive temperature or inadequate padding can cause patient burns—the #1 PT clinic lawsuit.

Saline Flush

Sterile salt-water solution used to irrigate wounds without damaging healthy cells.

Betadine (Povidone-Iodine)

Antiseptic solution applied to skin to kill bacteria and reduce infection risk.

Hibiclens (Chlorhexidine)

Broad-spectrum antiseptic soap commonly used for wound cleansing and surgical prep.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Oxidizing cleanser that bubbles debris out but can damage healthy tissue; used sparingly.

Telfa Pad

Non-adherent sterile gauze that prevents dressings from sticking to a healing wound or scab.

Antibiotic Ointment (e.g., Neosporin)

Topical medication providing moisture and antibacterial protection to superficial wounds.

Steri-Strips

Adhesive skin-closure strips for small, clean lacerations; approximate wound edges without sutures.

Suture

Stitch placed with needle and thread to close deeper or longer wounds and promote proper healing.

Hemostatic Agent

Substance (powder, gauze) that accelerates clotting to stop severe bleeding, especially in trauma care.

Tetanic Booster

Tetanus vaccination dose given after certain injuries to maintain immunity against Clostridium tetani.

“Clean & Dry” Principle

Guideline emphasizing thorough cleansing and moisture control before applying dressings or closures.