Open Wound Dressing Research Paper

Proper care for an open wound can lead to a quick recovery and a decreased risk of infection. An infection is caused by exposure to bacteria and pathogens. If an open wound contracts an infection, then it can lead to further complications with the healing process. Therefore, is it important to keep the wound dressing changed regularly. There are several key steps to follow from the removal of the bandages to reapplying new bandages. The first step in changing an open wound bandage is gathering all the needed supplies. This will allow the process to be more effective and prevent someone from having to look for supplies while changing the dressing. The most common supplies needed are 70% isopropyl alcohol, sterile dressings, tape, and disposable gloves. Depending on the size or severity of the wound more supplies may be needed in order to correctly cover the wound. After the supplies have been gathered, the person that is changing the dressing will wash his or her hands. Hand washing will help lower the risk of infection from bacteria on the hands. It is crucial to follow the correct hand washing …show more content…
Use caution when wetting the tape so that the wound does not get wet, as this can cause discomfort to the person. Gently remove the tape and bandage and discard them into the appropriate waste bin. Next, inspect the wound for any signs of infection. It is normal to see swelling and redness within the first couple days of receiving the wound. If there is no foul odor or drainage coming from the wound, then lightly cover the entire wound area with 70% isopropyl alcohol. After the isopropyl alcohol dries, thoroughly apply an antibiotic cream. The cream will decrease the chance that an infection will set in after the new bandages are applied. The final steps are as important as the first several steps to prevent an infection while changing an open wound