Nursing NUR301 Lecture 99: Wound Care
Document Summary
All lacerations should be considered contaminated by the time of evaluation in the emergency. The rate of wound infection in sutured lacerations is 1-30%, depending on the study series. Antibiotic administration does not substitute for the proper cleaning of wounds. Wound cleansing is of paramount importance and cannot be overemphasised. High pressure irrigation is more effective than low-pressure irrigation in reducing bacterial wound counts and wound infection rates. Most authorities recommend impact pressures generated by a 30-60cc syringe and a 18-gauge needle. Normal saline is the most common choice of solution and should be used until the wound appears clean. Hydrogen peroxide and poviodine should not be used for irrigation. To convert the contaminated wound into clean wound. Dressings are important to maintain sterility and absorb blood and serum. The goal is a state of optimal hydration of the wound margins not too wet or too dry.
