KAIMOSI FRIENDS UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF HEALTH SCIENCE

D E PA RT M E N T: C L I N I C A L M E D I C I N E A N D
C O M M U N I T Y H E A LT H
COURSE TITLE: NURSING SKILLS
COURSE CODE: HCM 130
A S S S I G N M E N T: W O U N D C A R E
GROUP: 2
GROUP MEMBERS
1.OWUOR DEVICE
2.RICHARD OWINO
3 . FA R L A N E J U M A
4.RIZIKI CHARIKE
5.SHARON KINOTI
6.MICHAEL JUMA
DATE OF SUBMISSION: 01/10/2024
NURSING SKILLS
WOUND CARE
Introduction
Wound care is a critical aspect of healthcare that directly impacts patient
outcomes and quality of life. Effective management of wounds not only
facilitates healing but also reduces the risk of complications such as
infection and chronicity. As our understanding of wound biology evolves,
so too do the techniques and products available for care, ranging from
traditional dressings to advanced biotechnologies. This essay will explore
the fundamental principles of wound care, the various types of wounds,
and the latest innovations in treatment strategies, highlighting the
importance of a comprehensive approach to ensure optimal healing and
recovery for patients.

Wound
Refers to any disruption in the skin’s intactness

1. Types of wounds
1. Acute Wounds:
a.Surgical Wounds: Result from surgical incisions.
b.Traumatic Wounds: Caused by accidents or injuries, such as cuts or
abrasions.
2. Chronic Wounds:
a.Pressure Ulcers: Caused by prolonged pressure, often seen in immobile
patients.
b.Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Associated with diabetes and poor circulation.
c.Venous Ulcers: Result from poor blood flow in the veins.
3. Open Wounds:
a.Lacerations: Irregular tear in the skin.
b.Abrasion: Scrape that removes the outer layer of skin.
c.Puncture Wounds: Deep, narrow wounds caused by sharp objects.
4. Closed Wounds:
a.Contusions: Bruises caused by blunt force trauma.
b.Hematomas: Collection of blood outside blood vessels.
5. Burns:
Classified by severity (first, second, third, and fourth degree) based on the
depth and extent of damage.

2. How to describe wounds

When describing wounds, consider the following points:
Type of wound: Is it an open or closed wound?
Location: Where is the wound located on the body?
Size: Measure the dimensions of the wound.
Stage or depth: Assess how deep the wound goes.
Color: Describe the color of the wound and surrounding tissue.
Tissue type: Note the type of tissue visible in the wound
Exudate: Observe any drainage or exudate
Erythema: Check for redness around the wound
Condition of periwound: Evaluate the skin around the wound.

3. Materials used for cleaning wounds

1. Saline Solution: Sterile saline is often used for rinsing wounds.
2. Antiseptic Solutions:
a.Chlorhexidine: Commonly used in surgical settings.
b.Iodine Solutions (e.g., Betadine): Effective but can be irritating.
c.Hydrogen Peroxide: Can help with cleaning but may damage tissue if used
excessively.
3. Soap and Water: Mild soap with clean water can be used for initial cleaning.
4. Sterile Gauze Pads: Used to wipe or absorb excess fluid.
5. Cotton Swabs: Useful for delicate cleaning around the wound.
6. Irrigation Syringes: For delivering saline or other solutions directly to the
wound.
7. Antibacterial Ointments: Such as bacitracin or Neosporin for application
after cleaning.
4. Materials used for dressing wounds
1. Gauze Pads: Absorbent and breathable, used for covering wounds.
2. Adhesive Bandages: Small, self-adhesive dressings for minor cuts and
abrasions.
3. Hydrocolloid Dressings: Provide a moist environment and are good for
minor burns and ulcers.
4. Transparent Film Dressings: Allow for visibility of the wound while
protecting it from moisture and bacteria.
5. Foam Dressings: Provide cushioning and absorb excess exudate; suitable
for deeper wounds.
6. Alginate Dressings: Made from seaweed, these are highly absorbent and
ideal for wounds with significant drainage.
7. Antimicrobial Dressings: Contain agents like silver or iodine to reduce
infection risk.
8. Compression Bandages: Used for managing swelling and providing support
to the affected area.
9. Non-Adherent Dressings: Prevent sticking to the wound bed, reducing pain
on removal.
10. Cotton Rolls or Padding: Used to protect and cushion the wound.

5. Suturing
Suturing is a medical procedure used to close wounds or surgical incisions. It
involves the use of a needle and thread (sutures) to bring the edges of a wound
together, promoting healing and minimizing scarring.

Steps in Suturing:
• Explain procedure to patient
• Adjust light
• Wash your hands
• Clean the wound thoroughly
• Wash your hands again
• Put on sterile gloves
• Drape the Wound with the hold- sheet
• Infiltrate the edges of the wound to be sutured with local
anesthesia.
• Approximate the edges of the fascia with the help of the tissue
forceps and using the round needle and cat- gut. Suture the
fascia layer first.
• Using the cutting needle and silk, suture the outer layer of skin
approximating the edges with the help of the tissue forceps.
• Clean with iodine and cover with sterile gauze.
• Remove the hole- Sheet
• Make patient comfortable
• Remove all equipment, wash & return to its proper place or
send for sterilization.
317
Note:
• Do not suture wounds that are over 12 hrs old. How ever,
such wounds have to be seen by a doctor since excision of all
dead & devitalized tissue and eventual suturing may be
required.
• Check that the patient gets his order for T.A.T before he
leaves the hospital.
• Do not suture deep wound.
• Before you suture any wound, make sure it is free of any
foreign bodies.
Indications for Suturing:
1. Lacerations and cuts
2. Surgical incisions
3. Wounds that require approximation of tissue for healing
4. Wounds with jagged edges
5. Areas with high skin tension
Reasons for suturing :
 1. Reduce the risk of infection,

2. Promotes faster healing

3. Minimizes scarring when performed correctly.

4. For aesthetic purposes

6.Do's and donts in wound care

Do's:

1. Do Wash Your Hands: Always wash your hands before and after caring for a
wound to prevent infection.
2. Do Clean the Wound Gently: Use mild soap and water or saline to clean
the wound, removing dirt and debris.
3. Do Apply an Appropriate Dressing: Choose a suitable dressing based on
the wound type (e.g., gauze, hydrocolloid).
4. Do Change Dressings Regularly: Follow recommended guidelines for
changing dressings to keep the wound clean and dry.
5. Do Monitor for Infection: Watch for signs such as increased redness,
swelling, warmth, or discharge, and seek medical attention if needed.
6. Do Keep the Wound Moist: A moist environment can promote healing;
consider using moisture-retentive dressings.
7. Do Follow Medical Advice: Adhere to any instructions provided by
healthcare professionals regarding care and medication.

Don'ts:
1. Don't Pick at Scabs: Allow scabs to heal naturally to prevent scarring and
infection.
2. Don't Use Alcohol or Hydrogen Peroxide on Open Wounds: These can
damage tissue and delay healing.
3. Don't Expose the Wound to Dirt or Contaminants: Keep the wound
covered and clean to reduce infection risk.
4. Don't Tighten Dressings Too Much: This can restrict blood flow and cause
further injury.
5. Don't Ignore Symptoms of Infection: If you notice worsening symptoms,
seek medical help promptly.
6. Don't Use Fragranced Products: Avoid lotions or ointments that contain
fragrances or irritants near the wound.
7. Don't Delay Treatment: Seek medical attention for severe wounds or if you
have concerns about healing.

7. Responsibilities in wound care

Healthcare Provider Responsibilities:
1. Assessment: Evaluate the wound's size, depth, and condition to determine
the appropriate treatment plan.
2. Cleaning: Properly clean the wound using sterile techniques to prevent
infection.
3. Suturing or Stapling: If necessary, perform suturing or stapling to close the
wound.
4. Dressing Application: Apply the appropriate dressing based on the wound
type and condition.
5. Education: Provide patients with information on wound care techniques,
signs of infection, and when to seek help.
6. Monitoring: Regularly check the wound during follow-up visits to assess
healing progress and adjust care as needed.
7. Documentation: Accurately document the wound's condition, treatments
provided, and patient instructions.

Patient Responsibilities:
1. Follow Instructions: Adhere to the care plan and instructions provided by
healthcare professionals.
2. Keep the Wound Clean: Practice good hygiene by keeping the wound area
clean and dry.
3. Monitor for Signs of Infection: Be vigilant for symptoms like increased
redness, swelling, or discharge, and report these to a healthcare provider.
4. Change Dressings as Directed: Follow guidelines for changing dressings to
maintain cleanliness and promote healing.
5. Avoid Picking or Scratching: Refrain from disturbing scabs or the wound
area to prevent complications.
6. Attend Follow-up Appointments: Keep scheduled visits to ensure proper
healing and receive additional care if needed.
Caregiver Responsibilities (if applicable):
1. Assist with Daily Care: Help the patient with dressing changes and wound
cleaning as needed.
2. Provide Support: Offer emotional and physical support during the healing
process.
3. Facilitate Communication: Help the patient communicate concerns or
questions to healthcare providers.
These responsibilities are essential for effective wound management and
optimal healing outcomes.
Recommendation
We recommend exploring the latest advancements in wound care, focusing on
the use of advanced dressings (such as hydrocolloids, alginates, and
antimicrobial dressings) and technological innovations (like bioengineered
tissues and negative pressure wound therapy)

Results of research studies on wound care such as regenerative medicine which

aims at bioengineering skin substitutes and stem cell therapies would e of
significant importance to wound care as they aim at promoting tissue
regeneration in chronic wounds . Studies on diabetic wound care are focused on
detailed approaches for managing diabetic foot ulcers including the use of
footwear and offloading techniques will enable proper wound management and
care hence preventing further complications .

Conclusion
In conclusion, effective wound care is essential for promoting healing and
preventing complications in patients with acute and chronic wounds. Advances
in technology and innovative treatment modalities, such as advanced dressings
and bioengineered tissues, have transformed thefield of wound management.
Additionally, understanding the role of biofilm, the importance of nutrition, and
the application of telehealth can significantly enhance patient outcomes. A
multidisciplinary approach that emphasizes individualized care, continuous
research, and evidence-based practices is crucial for optimizing wound healing.
As we move forward, ongoing research and collaboration among healthcare
professionals will be vital in addressing the challenges of wound care and
improving the quality of life for patients.
REFERENCES:EPHTI BASIC NURSING SKILLS,
https://www.woundcarecenters.org , redcross.org