WOUNDS

Lesson 4 in Health 3rd Quarter

Reported by Charlene Mae Herrera
A wound is a break in the continuity of
a tissue of the body, either internal or
external. Wounds are classified as
open or close. An open wound is a
break in the skin or in a mucous
membrane.
 TYPES OF OPEN WOUNDS

Open wounds range from those that bleed

severly but are relatively free from the
danger or infection. They can bleed a
little but have the greater potential of
becoming infected.
 An abrasion results from
A. Abrasions scraping the sking and
thereby damaging it.
Bleeding in an abrasion
is usually limited to
oozing of blood from
ruptured small veins
and capillaries.
Abrasions commonly
result from falls or
handling of rough
objects. Examples are
skinned knees and
shallow multiple
scratches.
 Incised wounds, or cuts, in
B. Incisions the body tissues are
commonly caused by
knives, metal edges,
broken glass or other
sharp objects. The
degree of bleeding
depends on the depth
and extent of a cut. Deep
cuts may involve blood
vessels and may cause
extensive bleeding. They
may alsoo damage
muscles, tendons and
nerves.
 Lacerations are jagged,
C. Lacerations irregular or blunt breaks
or tears in the soft
tissues. Bleeding may
be rapid and extensive.
The destruction of
tissues is greater in
lacerations than in cuts.
The deep contamination
of wounds that result
from accidents
increases the chances
of infection later.
 Punctured wounds are
D. Punctures produced by bullets and
joint objects, such as
pins, nails and splinters.
External bleeding is
usually minor, but the
puncturing objects may
penetrate deeply in the
body and thus damage
organs and cause severe
internal bleeding.
FIRST AID FOR WOUNDS
Proper Cleaning of
wounds is most
important in preventing
infection and promoting
good wound healing.
Below are some of the
first aid for small
wounds like abrasions.
1. Apply direct pressure over the wound.
2. Clean the wound and the skin around it with
soap and water.
3. Carefully remove loose foreign materials on
the wound such as sand, dirt. Piece of glass
or wood. You may use clean or preferably
bioled tweezers. Do not force out any foreign
material deeply stuck in the wound.
4. Wash with guava leaves decoction. Hydrogen
peroxide, if available, should be sued to
further clean the wound. This can prevent
tetanus. Objects applied to open wounds must
be cleaned or sterilized or free from germs.
5. Clean the wound first before applying antibiotic
cream or ointment. It is useless to put them on
dirty wounds. They would only seal the dirt and
germs into the wound.
6. Juices or clean leaves of guava or oregano
may be used to heal wounds. If sabila juice is
used, wash it off after five minutes.
LARGE WOUND (Lacerations and Incisions)

After a good cleaning, a large wound will

heal faster if the cut edges are brought
close together. This wound also help
prevent infection. A large, deep wound
can be closed only if:
1. The cut is very clean.
2. The cut is less than six hours old.
Before closing the cut, wash it well with soap and
cool boiled water. Make sure no dirt is left in
the cut.
For cases of puncture wounds, the following are
the first aid measures:
1. Squeeze the wound to encourage bleeding.
2. Wash your hands, then clean the wound with
soap and water. If available, hydrogen
peroxide should be flushed into the wound
with a clean syringe.
3. Cover the wound loosely with a pad of clean
cloth.
4. Do not sew the wound or put “butterfly”
bandages.
 CLOSE WOUNDS
Most closed wounds are caused by external
forces such as falls and motor vehicle
accidents. Many closed wounds are relatively
small and involve soft tissues, an example is a
black eye. Others involve fractures of the limbs,
spine or skull and damages to vital organs
within the skull, chest or abdomen. Massive
injury to sfot tissues such as muscles, blood
vessels and nerves can be very serious and
can result in lasting disabilities. Pain and
tenderness are the mist common symptoms of
a close wound.
Usual Signs are swelling and discoloration of soft
tissues and deformity of limbs caused by
fractures and discolorations. However, if signs
of injury are obvious. Internal injury is
probable when any of the following general
symptoms are present:
1. Uncontrolled restlessness and
excessive thirst.
2. Cold, clammy, pale, skin, very
rapid but weak pulse, rapid
breathing and dizziness.
3. Vomitting or coughing out blood
or passage of blood in the urine or
feces
 FIRST AID FOR CLOSE WOUNDS
Carefully examine the victim for fracture and other
injuries to the he ad, neck, chest, abdomen,
limbs, back and spine. If a closed fracture is
suspected, immobilize the affected area before
moving the victim. Carefully transport him in a
lying position and give special attention to
prevent shock. It is also necessary to watch the
victim’s breathing and take measures to prevent
either blockage of the airway or stoppage of
breathing. Do not give fluids by mouth to a
victim suspected of having internal injury,
regardless of how much the complains of thirst.
When a relatively small closed wounds
occurs such as black eye, contusions, etc.,
put a cold compress on the injured area.
The cold compress will help reduce
additional swelling and may slow down
internal bleeding.
 INFECTED WOUNDS
How to recognize infection in wounds:
1.The wound becomes red, swollen, hot and
painful.
2. It may or may not have pus.
3. There may be fever if the infection get
worse and spreads to other parts of the
body.
4. Lymph nodes near the area become
swollen and painful when passed.
 FIRST AID FOR INFECTED
WOUNDS
1. Remove any pus, dirt, dead skin and
tissues from the wound.
2. Clean the wound very well with hydrogen
peroxide or decoction of guava leaves or
boiled water with a pinch of salt at least
once a day.
3. Cover loosely with a clean pad of cloth.
4. Do not close this type of wound with
stitches or “butterfly” bandages.
5. Seek medical help immediately.
Thank you very much for listening.
Images: Google Images
Info Source: MAPEH Book (1st yr.)
Reported by: Charlene Mae Herrera

For MAPEH report in Health (3rd Qtr.)