Wounds and wound healing Flashcards
(17 cards)
Incised
Clean edges
May bleed freely
Laceration
Irregular shaped
May have tissue loss
High infection risk
Puncture
Small surface wound with a deep track below it
Surface wound will heal quickly, trapping bacteria and causing an abscess
Abrasion
Epidermis is rubbed off, exposing the dermis and capillary beds
Ulcers
Local excavation of the surface of an organ/tissue
Contains inflammatory exudates within the crater
Contusion
Bruise
Blood vessels rupture under the skin causing swelling and discolouration
Stage 1 - Haemostasis
Clotting to stop blood loss
Stage 2 - Inflammatory phase
Lasts 2-5 days immediately after injury
Wound will look red, swollen and may produce fluid
Stage 3 - Proliferative phase
24-72 hours after injury and lasts for around 3 weeks
Damaged tissue starts to regenerate
Endothelial cells lay down new blood vessels
Stage 3.1 - Granulation
Provides a barrier to infection
Has a role in wound contraction
Has an excellent blood supply
Bright red/pink colour and a bumpy, granular appearance
Stage 3.2 - Epithelialisation
Around 10 days after injury
Regeneration stage
Epithelial cells move inwards from the outer edges of the wound
Stage 3.3 - Contraction
Starts after the injury and continues for 2-3 weeks
Wound reduces in size due to the contraction of cells around the inner edge of the wound
Stage 4 - Remodelling and maturation stage
About 3 weeks after the injury and continues for up to 2 years
Hair re-grows
Fibroblasts deposit collagen and help the tissue reform to its original tissue type
Blood cells involved in the healing process
Neutrophils
Macrophages
Moist local applications
Increases healing speed by supplying oxygen
Normally provided by wound dressings
Heat local applications
Cause vasodilation
Increases blood supply and helps drain fluid
Cold local applications
Cause vasoconstriction
Decreases heat and blood loss
