Medical Surgical Element 2 PDF: Wound and Suture Care

MEDICAL SURGICAL -1 ELEMENT 2 Prepared By: Mrs.Kayal  Procedure for Wound Dressing Dressing a wound is a critical step in preventing infection, promoting healing, and ensuring comfort for the patient. Here is a detailed procedure for performing wound dressing: Materials Needed: St...

MEDICAL SURGICAL -1 ELEMENT 2 Prepared By: Mrs.Kayal  Procedure for Wound Dressing Dressing a wound is a critical step in preventing infection, promoting healing, and ensuring comfort for the patient. Here is a detailed procedure for performing wound dressing: Materials Needed: Sterile gloves Wound dressing materials(sterile) (e.g., gauze, bandages, hydrocolloid, hydrogel, or foam dressings) Antiseptic solution (e.g., iodine, saline, or other prescribed solutions) Sterile scissors (if necessary) Adhesive tape or bandage Sterile Dressing pad or cotton wool Biohazard bag (for disposal of used dressings) Kidney dish/ receiver  Procedure Preparation: Hand hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly using soap and water or use hand sanitizer. Prepare the environment: Ensure the environment is clean and sterile. Lay out the necessary supplies on a sterile field. Explain the procedure to the patient, ensuring they are comfortable and aware of what will happen. Remove the Old Dressing: Put on sterile gloves. Carefully remove the old dressing. If it adheres to the wound, moisten it with saline or prescribed solution to loosen it. Gently peel the dressing off to avoid causing further damage to the tissue.  Procedure Dispose of the old dressing in a biohazard bag. Inspect the Wound: Assess the wound for signs of infection (e.g., redness, swelling, discharge, or foul odor). Note any changes in the wound’s appearance and document the findings. Check for signs of healing, such as granulation tissue, or complications like dehiscence or necrosis. Clean the Wound: Cleanse the wound with an antiseptic solution or saline (as per the healthcare provider's instructions). Always clean from the center outward to avoid contaminating the wound with dirt or bacteria from the surrounding skin. Pat the area dry gently using sterile gauze. Apply the Dressing: Select an appropriate dressing based on the wound type, size, and any specific medical orders. The dressing should provide an optimal environment for healing—keeping the wound moist but preventing excessive moisture accumulation. If the wound is large, use a dressing large enough to cover the entire area with at least a 1-2 cm margin around the wound edge. Apply the dressing without applying too much pressure, and avoid touching the sterile part of the dressing with your hands. Secure the dressing with adhesive tape or a bandage. Be sure to leave enough room for circulation, particularly if the dressing is on an extremity. Post-Dressing Care: Ensure the patient is comfortable and that the dressing is secure, but not too tight. Dispose of used materials according to hospital protocol. Perform hand hygiene after the procedure.  Procedure for Removal of Sutures Suture removal is a procedure performed when the wound has sufficiently healed and the stitches are no longer needed. The following steps describe how to remove sutures safely: Materials Needed: Sterile gloves Suture removal kit (scissors, forceps) Antiseptic solution (e.g., iodine, saline) Sterile gauze Disposable container (for used sutures)  Procedure for Removal of Sutures Preparation: Wash your hands thoroughly. Gather the necessary materials and ensure the environment is clean. Explain the procedure to the patient and ensure they are comfortable. Assess the Wound: Inspect the wound to ensure it has healed properly, with no signs of infection (e.g., redness, swelling, or discharge). If there are concerns about the wound, consult a healthcare professional before removing sutures. Ensure proper wound healing (typically after 5-14 days for most sutures, but this can vary based on the wound and the patient’s condition). Preparation for Removal: Put on sterile gloves. Clean the area around the sutures with antiseptic solution to reduce the risk of infection.  Procedure for Removal of Sutures Remove the Sutures: Hold the suture with forceps (or tweezers) near the knot. Use sterile scissors to cut the suture thread as close to the skin as possible, without pulling the knot through the skin. Gently pull the suture out using the forceps, ensuring that no tissue is disturbed. Always remove sutures in the direction of the wound’s healing (usually from top to bottom or end to end). Repeat the procedure for each suture until all are removed. Post-Removal Care: Once all sutures are removed, inspect the wound again for any signs of infection or complications. Clean the wound with antiseptic solution, and apply a new dressing if necessary. Advise the patient on how to care for the wound after suture removal, such as keeping it clean and monitoring for signs of infection. Documentation: Document the removal of sutures in the patient’s medical record, noting the condition of the wound and any observations made during the procedure.  Procedure for Removal of Drains Care, Shortening, and Removal of Drains Drains are often placed after surgery or injury to remove excess fluids or prevent accumulation that could lead to infection. Proper care, shortening, and removal of drains are essential for preventing complications.  Procedure for Removal of Drains Materials Needed: Sterile gloves Drain care supplies (e.g., sterile gauze, antiseptic solution, tape) Scissors (for shortening the drain if necessary) Sterile dressing or bandage Biohazard disposal container  Procedure for Removal of Drains Preparation: Wash hands thoroughly. Gather all necessary supplies. Explain the procedure to the patient. Inspect the Drain: Examine the drain for patency (ensure it is functioning properly and draining fluid). Check the amount and type of drainage. Excessive drainage or changes in the drainage color or consistency could indicate infection. Ensure the drain is securely fixed to the skin and is not causing undue tension.  Procedure for Removal of Drains Procedure for Drain Care: Preparation: Wash hands thoroughly. Gather all necessary supplies. Explain the procedure to the patient. Inspect the Drain: Examine the drain for patency (ensure it is functioning properly and draining fluid). Check the amount and type of drainage. Excessive drainage or changes in the drainage color or consistency could indicate infection.  Procedure for Removal of Drains Drain Maintenance: Clean the area around the drain regularly with antiseptic solution to prevent infection. Change the dressing around the drain as per the healthcare provider's orders, or if the dressing becomes wet or soiled.  Procedure for Removal of Drains Procedure for Shortening the Drain (if necessary): Shorten the Drain: If the drain is no longer needed in its full length, it may need to be shortened. Using sterile scissors, trim the drain carefully, ensuring not to cut the internal tubing that is still draining fluids. Secure the shortened drain in place with tape or a sterile dressing.  Procedure for Removal of Drains Preparation for Drain Removal: Put on sterile gloves. Ensure the patient is comfortable and explain the procedure. Assess the wound and ensure that drainage has decreased significantly or ceased, and that the wound appears well-healed. Clean the area around the drain with an antiseptic solution.  Procedure for Removal of Drains Remove the Drain: Gently pull the drain out in the direction of insertion. Drains typically slide out without resistance, but if resistance is met, stop and reassess the situation. Pulling too hard can damage tissues or disrupt the healing process. Some drains, such as Jackson-Pratt or Hemovac, may require gentle pressure to help expel any remaining fluid during removal.  Procedure for Removal of Drains Post-Removal Care: After the drain is removed, cover the wound with a sterile dressing. Monitor the patient for any signs of infection or unusual drainage post-removal. If there is increased swelling or discharge, seek medical attention. Clean the wound and change the dressing as needed. Documentation: Document the type of drain, the amount and color of drainage, any complications, and the date and time of removal in the patient's medical record. Thank you