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wound care
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 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.) |