(2)
Treatment. Treat as follows:
(a) Cleanse the wound. Irrigate or scrub with a sterile surgical brush.
If the brush is prepackaged, be sure it has povidone-iodine solution, not detergent.
(b) Apply Betadine ointment. This protects the dermis from necrosis.
The ointment also retards infection.
(c)
Cover the wound with a dry, sterile dressing.
b. Contusion.
(1) Description. A contusion or contused wound occurs as a result of a blow
from a blunt instrument such as a hammer. There is no break in the skin.
(2) Treatment. First apply cold compresses for 12 hours. Pad the affected
area and wrap an ace bandage around the area snugly. If the area is on an arm or leg,
elevate the arm or leg.
c. Puncture/Perforation.
(1) Description. A wound made by a pointed instrument such as a nail,
wire, or knife can result in a puncture or perforation wound. Sometimes a scalpel is
used by a doctor to make a puncture wound to promote drainage from tissues. A
wound caused by an animal or insect sting, the wound breaking the skin surface and
underlying tissues, is also called a puncture wound.
(2) Treatment. These wounds have a higher potential for infection because
pathogens and particles of debris have been introduced deep into the tissue. If these
wounds are not treated properly, the patients may come for treatment 24 to 48 hours
after the injury with complaints of local pain, malaise, and fever. To treat these wounds
properly, follow the guidelines given below.
(a) For uncontaminated wounds, irrigate the injured site with normal
saline solution. Apply a topical antiseptic such as povidone-iodine solution.
(b) For contaminated wounds, excise a small plug of tissue at the
puncture site. Then, irrigate vigorously with normal saline solution.
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