Why is it important to have the basic knowledge about wound management?

Proper wound care prevents infection and other complications, and also helps speed up the healing process with less scarring.

What is important to patients in wound management?

The results showed that having the least chance of infection was the most important outcome, followed by being looked after by caring staff and a quick recovery. These finding were consistent regardless of the anatomical location of the wound or age of the patient.

Why is it important to accurately assess a wound exudate throughout the healing process?

It is important to assess and document the type, amount, colour and odour of exudate to identify any changes. Excess exudate leads to maceration and degradation of skin while too little can result in the wound bed drying out. It may become more viscous and odorous in infected wounds.

What is wound management?

Wound management is an ongoing treatment of a wound, by providing appropriate environment for healing, by both direct and indirect methods, together with the prevention of skin breakdown.

When is wound care necessary?

1. You have an old wound. If a wound has not started to heal within two weeks, or has not totally healed in six weeks, medical attention may be necessary to reduce the risk of complications.

What are the types of wounds?

Types of Wounds

• Penetrating wounds. Puncture wounds. Surgical wounds and incisions. Thermal, chemical or electric burns. Bites and stings. Gunshot wounds, or other high velocity projectiles that can penetrate the body.
• Blunt force trauma. Abrasions. Lacerations. Skin tears.

Why is it important to reduce pain levels in patients with wounds?

In general, burn specialists recognized that pain can lead to stress and that it is important to reduce stress and pain at dressing changes. Most also acknowledged that stress can affect wound healing.

Why is document wound location important?

Adequate documentation is needed in order to review the previous status of a wound and the history of management and treatment. This documentation might be necessary to track an absence of signs of healing and to form a basis for future care.

What is involved in the first phase of wound healing?

The first stage of wound healing is for the body to stop the bleeding. This is called hemostasis or clotting and it occurs within seconds to minutes after you suffer a wound. During this phase the body activates its emergency repair system to form a dam to block the drainage and prevent too much blood loss.

What are the principles of wound management?

The basic principles for the management of a wound or laceration are:

• Haemostasis.
• Cleaning the wound.
• Analgesia.
• Skin closure.
• Dressing and follow-up advice.