LESSON 2
CONTAMINATED WOUNDS
2-1.
INTRODUCTION
Many factors can and do contribute to infection in injuries. Some of these are
beyond your control, but in many circumstances, you can directly prevent complications
and sometimes ultimately influence survival by knowledge of the factors involved in a
wound infection.
2-2.
FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR INFECTION
Infection is a condition in which the body or a part of it is invaded by a disease-
producing organism. This organism multiplies under favorable conditions and produces
injurious effects to the body. All wounds harbor organisms. Additionally, many
organisms are present in the air. Immediately after a wound is opened, therefore,
organisms can enter it. The presence of organisms in a wound does not necessarily
mean that there will be an infection. Other factors are involved in the development of an
infection.
a. Delay in treatment.
b. Decreased blood circulation because of shock.
c. Collection of blood in the wound and surrounding tissues. This collection,
called hematoma, restricts circulation.
d. Location of the wound. Areas of the body with a good blood supply are less
likely to become infected. Wounds on legs, which have a poorer blood supply, are more
likely to become infected.
e. Retention of foreign bodies in the wounds.
f. Inadequate irrigation or inadequate removal of dead tissue.
g. Suturing of dirty wounds.
h. Inadequate immobilization.
j. Presence of bacteria which are resistant to antibiotics.
k. Secondary disease. Persons with diabetes, arteriosclerosis, and anemia as
well as some other diseases find that their wounds heal more slowly.
MD0576
2-2