d. Record the following data on the patient's records or other form as
appropriate.
(1)
Date of dressing change.
(2)
Time of dressing change.
(3)
Appearance of wound before cleansing.
(4)
Appearance of wound after cleansing.
(5)
(6)
e. Submit the report according to the local SOP.
Section II. WOUND IRRIGATION
4-9.
PURPOSE
A wound irrigation (washing) can be performed to clean a wound. This cleaning
process uses large amounts of fluid to remove secretions, clots, foreign matter, or
microorganisms from the wound site. Irrigation is also used to instill medication in a
wound. A wound irrigation can be used to both clean the wound and to instill
4-10. PROCEDURE FOR IRRIGATING A WOUND
This section gives the procedures for performing a routine wound irrigation using
sterile techniques. Irrigation of a wound prior to an operative treatment is discussed in
section III.
a. Verify Wound Irrigation Order. Check the Doctor's Orders, Therapeutic
Documentation Care Plan, or check with the supervisor to ensure that a wound irrigation
is to be performed. Your instructions will specify the type and amount of solution to be
used to irrigate the wound.
b. Wash Hands. Perform a patient care handwash.
c. Assemble Equipment and Supplies.
(1) Asepto (bulb-ended) syringe (300 to 500 ml) (figure 4-10). If asepto
syringe is not available, use the largest regular syringe stocked.
MD0540
4-12