MANAGEMENTS OF WOUNDS

INTRODUCTION.

Wound is an injury to a living tissue especially an injury involving a cut or break in the skin. Most of wounds are contaminated except for surgical wounds which are made under aseptic conditions.

Wounds infections follows contamination by dirt, damaged tissues and foreign bodies.

When wound is inflamed, the blood vessels dilate so as to bring more blood to an injured part. This comes from the capillary changes so that antibodies and white cells can pass through more easily, as a result, the part becomes warmer and redder becauses there is more blood in it and swollen because there is more white cells and fluids.

WOUND ASSESSMENT.

History component ask about 

• How long ago was the wound sustained?
• How was the wound sustained?
• What is the status about Tetanus immunization?

In Examination component check for 5s

• Site of the wound. (where is it?)
• Size of the wound (estimate by tape measure)
• Surroundings of the wound (what abound the skin)
• Surface of the wound for discharges
• Shape
  
• Contamination of wound
• Edges of the wound.

WOUND MANAGEMENT

The wound is managed by either Social toilet or Surgical toilet.

Social toilet

The wound is cleaned with soap and water, the surrounding skin is well cleaned. Do not use hard brushes  because you may cause more damage to the new tissues forming in healing process.

Surgical Toilet.

This is done to all contaminated wounds under Anaesthesia. The wound by debridement using Knife is cleaned and the damaged tissues are removed to allow healing process.

COMPLICATIONS OF WOUNDS.

• Cellulitis 
• Septicaemia.

NOTE:-

     For medications check your guidline or consult your doctor.