Acute Wound Care

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

An acute wound is an injury that causes a break in the skin.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Pain medicine: You may need medicine to take away or decrease pain.
  
  
  • Learn how to take your medicine. Ask what medicine and how much you should take. Be sure you know how, when, and how often to take it.
    
    
  • Do not wait until the pain is severe before you take your medicine. Tell caregivers if your pain does not decrease.
    
    
  • Pain medicine can make you dizzy or sleepy. Prevent falls by calling someone when you get out of bed or if you need help.
  
  
• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to fight or prevent an infection caused by bacteria. Always take your antibiotics exactly as ordered by your primary healthcare provider. Do not stop taking your medicine unless directed by your primary healthcare provider. Never save antibiotics or take leftover antibiotics that were given to you for another illness.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed. Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Follow up with your primary healthcare provider as directed:

You may need to return to have your stitches or staples removed, wound checked, or bandage changed. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

Wound care:

• Keep the bandage clean and dry. Do not remove the bandage over your wound unless your primary healthcare provider says it is okay.
  
  
• Wash your hands before and after you take care of your wound to prevent infection.
  
  
• Clean the wound as directed. If you cannot reach the wound, have someone help you.
  
  
• If you have packing, make sure all the gauze used to pack the wound is taken out and replaced as directed. Keep track of how many gauze dressings are placed inside the wound.

Contact your primary healthcare provider if:

• You have muscle, joint, or body aches, sweating, or a fever.
  
  
• You have more swelling, redness, or bleeding in your wound.
  
  
• Your skin is itchy, swollen, or you have a rash.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Seek care immediately or call 911 if:

• You have pus or a foul odor coming from the wound.
  
  
• You have sudden trouble breathing or chest pain.
  
  
• Blood soaks through your bandage.

Learn more about Acute Wound Care (Discharge Care)