Wound Care Procedures and Protocols

This video tutorial covers the role of physical therapy in wound care, focusing on sterile dressing changes. It explains how to remove old dressings, assess wounds, set up a sterile field, and apply new dressings. The tutorial emphasizes the importance of maintaining sterility, proper documentation, and using appropriate techniques to prevent skin trauma.

What is one of the roles of physical therapy in wound care?

• Administering medication

• Performing surgery

• Providing sterile dressing changes

• Diagnosing illnesses

Before removing the old dressing, what should you check?

• The availability of supplies

• The room temperature

• The patient's chart

• The patient's temperature

How should you stabilize the skin when removing the tape from the old dressing?

• Use a pair of scissors

• Use one hand to stabilize the skin

• Use both hands to pull the tape

• Use a cotton swab

What should you do if the dressing adheres to the wound?

• Use saline to loosen it

• Pull it off quickly

• Leave it in place

• Cut it with scissors

What is the first step in setting up the sterile field?

• Pour the saline

• Open the gauze pads

• Deploy the sterile field

• Put on sterile gloves

Why is it important to have all supplies ready before donning sterile gloves?

• To save time

• To avoid contamination

• To impress the patient

• To follow hospital policy

How should the gauze be prepared before packing the wound?

• Soak it in saline until dripping

• Keep it dry

• Dampen it but not dripping wet

• Cut it into small pieces

What is the purpose of packing the wound with gauze?

• To stop bleeding

• To take up dead space

• To apply pressure

• To clean the wound

What should be done after applying the outer dressing?

• Remove sterile gloves

• Leave the room

• Call the doctor

• Take a break

What information should be documented after the dressing change?

• Patient's blood pressure

• Date, time, and initials of the person who did the change

• Patient's name and age

• Type of dressing used