Introduction
The care and management of wounds is an important aspect of patient treatment. The ability of the caregiver to establish and maintain a sterile or clean environment during the application of a dressing and to avoid contamination of the wound, other persons, equipment, or treatment areas is of paramount importance.
Task
Dressings and bandages are important items associated with the care and management of wounds. The caregiver must apply the concept of the prevention of wound infection.
The basic goals of wound care are listed in below
- Protect the wound and surrounding tissue from additional trauma
- Provide an optimal environment for wound healing
- Reduce strain on the tissues near the wound
Protect the tissue in the area of the wound from mechanical stress or movement - Reduce the number of pathogenic microorganisms in and around the wound
- Expedite the healing process
- Decrease or reduce the formation of scar tissue
Process
- Describe the functions of a dressing and a bandage.
- Describe and demonstrate the proper application and removal of a dressing.
- Describe and demonstrate the proper application and removal of a bandage that covers a dressing
Conclusion
Preventing a wound from developing will be an important intervention. This intervention is particularly urgent for patients whose condition predisposes them to the development of a pressure ulcer. Assessment of the risk factors associated with a pressure ulcer and the use of measures to prevent them should be performed for all patients upon admission to a health care facility.