WOUNDS

-are external or internal break in body tissue, usually involving the skin. Most open
wounds are minor and can be treated at home.
TYPES OF WOUNDS:
1. Closed wounds
- Skin surface is not broken
-Tissue damage and bleeding can occur below the surface
-Can range from simple bruised to major internal lacerations or puncture
caused by crushing forces, fractured bones, or the rupture of internal organs
-Can lead to minor to severe, life-threatening bleeding
TYPES OF CLOSED WOUNDS:
a. Contusions
-More commonly known as bruises
-May result in swelling
-A blood clot always forms
-Large bruises may indicate severe blood loss and may also
suggest extensive tissue damage or fractures
b. Internal punctures and lacerations
-Result from broken bones
-The sharp ends and fragments of the bone can puncture or cut
through the internal body tissues
c. Crush injury and ruptures
-Forceful impact applied to the skin can be transmitted to
underlying tissues, even if the skin remains intact
-This force can cause the internal organs to rupture or to be
crushed and bleed internally
- It is also possible for the contents of the organ to leak into the
body cavities, leading to tissue damage and severe
inflammation
-Usually, anti-shock garments are used to prevent shock due to
internal bleeding
CAUSES OF CLOSED WOUNDS
Forceful impact of a blunt object to the skin
2. Open Wounds
-It is an injury
-It involves an external break in body tissue
-Usually involving the skin
TYPES OF OPEN WOUNDS:
a. Abrasion
Occurs when the skin rubs or scrapes against a rough or
hard surface
Ex: road rash
Not a lot of bleeding
Needs to be scrubbed and cleaned to avoid infection
b. Incision

 Caused by a sharp object, such as a knife, shard of glass,

or razor blade
Bleeds a lot and quickly
A deep one can damage tendons, ligaments, and muscles.
c. Laceration
A deep cut or tearing of the skin
Accidents with knives, tools, and machinery are frequent
causes of lacerations
Bleeding is rapid and extensive
d. Puncture
A small hole caused by a long, pointy object, such as a
nail, needle, or ice pick, sometimes a bullet
May not bleed much but can be deep enough to damage
internal organs
Need to visit a doctor to get a tetanus booster shot ang
prevent infection
e. Avulsion
A partial or complete tearing away of skin and tissue
Usually occur during violent accidents, such as bodycrushing accidents, explosions, and gunshots
Bleed heavily and rapidly
CAUSES OF OPEN WOUNDS
Falls
Accidents with sharp objects or tools
Car accidents
ARE THERE ANY COMPLICATIONS FROM HAVING AN OPEN
WOUND?:

Risk of infection
Signs of infection:
continuous bleeding
increase in redness, pain, or swelling
wound area becomes dark and dry or bigger and deeper
increase in drainage
thick green, yellow, or brown pus
pus with a foul odor
fever over 100.4 F (38 C) for more than 4 hours
tender lump in your groin or armpit
wound that isn't healing

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR:

An open wound is deeper than 1/2 inch
Bleeding does not stop with direct pressure

 Bleeding lasts longer than 20 mins

Bleeding is the result of a serious accident
HOW ARE OPEN WOUNDS TREATED?

Can take acetaminophen as directed on the package

Avoid aspirin producs, can cause or prolong bleeding
Apply ice if you have bruising or swelling
Avoid picking at scabs
Use SPF 30 sunscreen over the area when spending time outdoors until
healed
Minor wounds can be treated at home
First, wash and disinfect the wound to remove all dirt and debris
Use direct pressure and elevation to control bleeding ang swelling
Always use sterile dressing or bandage when wrapping the wound
Keep the wound clean and dry for five days
Get plenty of rest

MEDICAL TREATMENTS
If a body part is severed, it should be brought to the hospital for possible
reattachment
Wrap the body in moist gauze and pack it in ice.
Wash hands and work on a clean when changing bandages and dressings
Disinfect and dry the wound thoroughly before dressing it again
Dispose of old dressings and bandages in plastic bags
After cleaning and possibly numbing the area with anesthetic, your doctor
may close the wound using skin glue, sutures, or stitches
You may revceive a tetanus booster shot if you have a puncture wound.
Would include pain medication and penicillin
Surgery might be needed