Wounds 1 - Mechanical Injuries

Where are most free nerve endings found in skin?

Epidermal layer

What is the outermost layer of skin?

Epidermis

What is the middle layer of skin?

Dermis

What are some key types of mechanical injury?

Abrasions/grazes, lacerations/tears, penetrating wounds, bites

What are characteristics of a typical graze?

Very red, capillary beds close to skin, may/may not bleed, can get from tarmac

What is an injury to the epidermis known as?

Graze

What is an injury to the epidermis and dermis known as?

Laceration

What are some characteristics of lacerations?

Surface of skin is torn and can be down to subcutaneous tissue, clean, neat wounds, may be due to being caught on something, heal nicely if treated properly

How do penetrating wounds usually occur?

Given with force - stab wounds, bullet wounds

What is the difference between stab and burn wounds?

Bullet will have a burn around the wound rather than bruising

What are characteristics of stab wounds?

Bruising around the wound, cannot tell what structures affected as very fine and difficult to pinpoint, done with force

What can insect bites cause?

Itching, scratching leading to surface being taken off

What does a red, hot, painful insect bite indicate?

INFECTION!

What types of bites may be present?

Insect, human, animal

What are all human/animal bites treated as?

DIRTY WOUNDS! Prophylactic antibiotics always given

What are characteristics of bites/dog bites?

Teeth scraped skin, other tears, red area, treated as a dirty wound

What type of mechanical injury are surgical wounds a mix of?

Controlled graze/tears, penetrating but is clean cut