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wound care

QuestionAnswer
What are the two main types of wounds? Acute and chronic wounds. Acute wounds result from sudden injuries and heal within about a month, while chronic wounds take longer and often need medical attention. (Think: a paper cut vs. a sore that won’t close.)
What defines an acute wound? An acute wound occurs suddenly due to injury and usually heals within one month if it doesn’t go below the dermis. (Like accidentally cutting your finger while cooking.)
What defines a chronic wound? A wound that does not heal within the normal time frame or keeps reopening, often requiring medical care. (Like a blister that won’t go away because of tight shoes.)
What are examples of acute wounds? Punctures, abrasions, lacerations, and minor burns. (Like scraping your knee after a fall.)
What is a puncture wound? A sharp object pierces the skin and goes into deeper tissue. (Like stepping on a nail.)
What is an abrasion? When the top layer of skin is scraped off due to friction. (Like getting rug burn.)
What is a laceration? A clean or jagged cut from something sharp. (Like a paper cut or knife cut.)
What are exclusions for wound self-care? Deep punctures, animal bites, large/gaping wounds, visible fat/muscle/bone, foreign material, infection, severe pain/numbness, bleeding disorders, or diabetes. (Like realizing your cut is too deep for a Band-Aid.)
Why are animal bites excluded from self-care? They can transmit rabies and bacterial infections. (Like a stray dog bite that needs antibiotics.)
Why are wounds with diabetes excluded from self-care? Poor circulation and slow healing increase infection risk. (Like how a low battery makes a device run slower.)
What are signs of infection? Swelling, redness, pus, warmth, or red streaks spreading from the wound. (Like rust spreading on metal—it gets worse without cleaning.)
Why do wounds bleed? Bleeding helps flush out dirt and bacteria. (Like running water over dirty hands.)
Which wounds bleed more? Facial and scalp wounds due to high blood vessel density. (Like a strong water hose compared to a trickle.)
How to stop bleeding? Apply direct pressure with clean gauze or cloth for 10–15 minutes. (Like plugging a leak until it seals.)
What to do if blood soaks through? Add more layers—don’t remove the soaked one. (Like stacking napkins over a spill.)
When to seek medical care? If bleeding lasts >15 minutes, wound is deep, dirty, or caused by animal/human bite. (Like calling for help when a problem won’t stop.)
Why avoid self-care for wounds near eyes, ears, mouth, or genitals? These areas have higher infection risk. (Like not touching electronics with wet hands.)
How long do minor wounds take to heal? Usually within a month in healthy individuals. (Like a small bruise fading over time.)
What’s the best cleanser for minor wounds? Clean running tap water with gentle pressure. (Like rinsing dirt off fruit before eating.)
Is soap recommended for wound cleaning? Yes, mild soap is okay around the wound but not inside it. (Like washing a dish gently without scrubbing off its coating.)
Should you use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol on wounds? No, they can damage tissue and delay healing. (Like using bleach on clothes—it cleans but ruins fabric.)
What’s the purpose of antibiotic ointment? To prevent infection and keep the wound moist for faster healing. (Like adding oil to keep machinery from rusting.)
How long should you use antibiotic ointment? Until the wound is healed, usually no more than 7 days. (Like finishing a short course of care until things look normal.)
When should you apply antibiotic ointment? Within a few hours of injury, 1–3 times daily. (Like applying sunscreen early to prevent a burn.)
Why might neomycin cause problems? It can cause allergic skin reactions. (Like how some people react badly to certain soaps.)
What’s a good alternative if allergic to neomycin? Use double or single antibiotic ointments like bacitracin or polymyxin B. (Like switching detergents when one causes a rash.)
When should you suspect infection after ointment use? If the wound becomes red, warm, or oozes thick drainage. (Like noticing spoiled food because it smells off.)
When should local anesthetics be used? Only on unbroken skin to relieve pain. (Like putting lotion on dry skin, not on an open cut.)
What are examples of local anesthetics? Products ending in “-caine” (lidocaine, benzocaine). (Like numbing gel used at the dentist.)
What’s an alternative to topical anesthetics? Systemic pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. (Like taking Advil for a headache instead of rubbing cream on your forehead.)
What do superadhesive polymers like Nexcare Liquid Bandage do? They seal off nerve endings to reduce pain. (Like sealing a crack to block cold air.)
What’s a non-drug way to reduce wound pain? Use a cold or ice pack for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off. (Like cooling hot soup so it doesn’t burn your tongue.)
What’s the main purpose of primary dressings? To protect, lightly absorb, and cover the wound. (Like wrapping leftovers to keep them fresh.)
What’s the purpose of secondary dressings? For heavier absorption and compression; not for self-care. (Like double bagging something leaking.)
What are common types of dressings? Gauze, nonadherent pads, and adhesive bandages. (Like different wrappers for different foods.)
How should a dressing be applied? Place it gently over the wound and secure it with tape. (Like placing cling wrap evenly over a bowl.)
Why keep wounds moist? Moisture promotes faster healing and reduces scarring. (Like keeping a sponge damp so it stays flexible.)
What are the four main types of medical tape? Plastic, paper, cloth/fabric, and waterproof. (Like choosing different tapes for crafts.)
Which tape type has the strongest adhesion? Cloth or waterproof tape. (Like duct tape vs. sticky notes.)
Which tape is best for sensitive skin? Paper tape—it removes easily. (Like painter’s tape that peels off without damage.)
How to remove tape residue? Use alcohol or nail polish remover on cotton. (Like cleaning glue off a table.)
Which tape causes the most allergic reactions? Plastic tape. (Like cheap jewelry that irritates skin.)
What are liquid bandages made from? Cyanoacrylate polymers. (Like super glue but for skin.)
When should liquid bandages be avoided? On infected, deep, or bleeding wounds. (Like not painting over a wall with mold.)
How to apply a liquid bandage? Clean and air-dry for 15 min, apply thinly, let dry. (Like painting one coat and waiting for it to dry.)
What if applying to joints like knees or elbows? Keep the joint extended while drying. (Like holding a door open until the paint sets.)
How long should liquid bandages be used? Limit to 5–7 days. (Like wearing a temporary patch until fixed.)
How to remove liquid bandage? Apply fresh layer, then wipe quickly while wet. (Like removing a sticker with warm water.)
What if wound reopens? Clean, reapply bandage, and repeat care steps. (Like taping a box again if it pops open.)
What are the most common animal bites in the U.S.? Dog bites (80–90%), cat bites (5–20%), human bites (3rd most common). (Like dogs being the usual troublemakers at the park.)
What are the main risks from animal bites? Bacterial infection, rabies, tetanus, and possible hepatitis or HIV (for human bites). (Like using someone’s toothbrush—not worth the risk.)
How to treat a minor animal bite at home? Wash with soap/water, stop bleeding, apply antibiotic ointment, cover with clean gauze. (Like cleaning a muddy shoe before wearing it again.)
When should you seek medical care for a bite? If it’s deep, on the face, hand, or joint; if the animal is stray or not vaccinated; or if tetanus shot is outdated. (Like calling a mechanic when your car light won’t go off.)
What’s the purpose of a scab? To protect the wound from dirt and bacteria while healing. (Like a lid on a jar keeping contents clean.)
Should you pick scabs off? No, let them fall off naturally. (Like not peeling paint before it’s dry.)
When can you wash stitches? Usually after 1–3 days; dry well afterward. (Like letting cement set before adding water.)
What should you do if stitches drain clear yellow fluid? Cover with a clean bandage. (Like covering food with plastic wrap to keep bugs out.)
How to reduce swelling after stitches? Elevate the area for a few days. (Like propping your feet up after standing too long.)
Why use antibiotic ointment on stitches? It reduces scarring and infection risk. (Like polishing shoes to protect the leather.)
What should you do post-healing? Use sunscreen (SPF 30+) for several months to reduce scarring. (Like protecting a new tattoo from the sun.)
What are key items in a wound care kit? Antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, bandages, gauze, tape, gloves, scissors, tweezers, and cold packs. (Like having a toolbox ready for small home fixes.)
Why are nonlatex gloves important? To prevent allergic reactions during wound care. (Like using hypoallergenic detergent for sensitive skin.)
Why include cold packs in a wound kit? They help reduce pain and swelling. (Like icing your ankle after a run.)
Why keep wound care supplies ready at home? Quick access prevents infection and improves healing outcomes. (Like having jumper cables ready before your car dies.)
Created by: eskay264
 

 



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