Today our topic of discussion is Wound Dressing at Home.
Wound Dressing at Home
WOUND DRESSING AT HOME
A surgical wound dressing is a protection with a sterile covering of gauze or other materials applied over a wound after cleaning it with all aseptic precautions.
Purpose
- To clean the wounded area
- To dress the wounds to prevent infection
- To promote wound healing.
Principles of Wound Dressing
- Everything that comes with a wound must be sterilized in the most effective way consists with facilities in the home, school and industry
- Hand washing must be done before handling the equipment and dressing the wound
- Boil instruments, cotton swabs, vigorously for 5 minutes.
- The chief chemical disinfectant used in the care of wound is alcohol
- The chief purpose in caring for a wound is to prevent infection since tissues under the skin are less resistant than the skin to infection
Advantages of Dressing
- To absorb drainage
- To prevent contamination
- To protect the wound from mechanical injuries
- To promote homeostasis as in a pressure dressing
- To provide mental and physical comfort of the patient.
Types of Dressing
- Dry dressing: The wound is cleaned by some antiseptics and dried and dry dressing is applied after the application of medicine to the wound
- Wet dressing: It is used if wounds are infected and if there is lot of pus, to soften the discharge and to promote drainage
- Pressure dressing: This is done when there is bleeding or oozing from the wound.
Equipment Needed
- Instruments: Artery forceps, thumb forceps and scissors.
- Dressing pack: Gauze pad-1, gauze pieces -2, cotton balls-3 Large bowl with lid (autoclaved) to put all the articles to boil
- Small bowl medications, K-basin/paper bag
- Dressing bandage/plaster to secure the dressing
- Spirit, betadine or any other antiseptic solutions to apply in the wound.
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