Puncture Wound

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

A puncture wound is a hole in the skin made by a sharp, pointed object.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

RISKS:

• A puncture wound may be more serious than it looks. Blood vessels, nerves, bones, and other tissues under the skin may be damaged. The wound may become infected when germs get into it. Infection often occurs when the object that caused the wound carries germs or pushes dirt into the tissues. If the wound becomes infected, it may have pus in it. The area around the wound may be red and feel warm when touched. Wound treatment may be very painful.
  
  
• Untreated, a puncture wound may lead to more serious problems. Foreign objects left inside the wound may cause severe swelling, infection, and toxic reactions. Infection may spread to other parts of your body and may become life-threatening. You are at a higher risk for problems if you have diabetes or a decreased ability to fight infection. Ask your caregiver for more information about the risks of your puncture wound.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Informed consent

is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.

Medicines:

You may be given the following medicines:

• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to help treat or prevent an infection caused by bacteria.
  
  
• Medicines to treat pain, swelling, or fever: These medicines are safe for most people to use. However, they can cause serious problems when used by people with certain medical conditions. Tell caregivers if you have liver or kidney disease or a history of bleeding in your stomach.
  
  
• Td vaccine: This vaccine is a booster shot used to help prevent diphtheria and tetanus. The Td booster may be given to adolescents and adults every 10 years or for certain wounds and injuries.

Tests:

• Blood tests: You may need blood taken to give caregivers information about how your body is working. The blood may be taken from your hand, arm, or IV.
  
  
• Bone scan: Caregivers use these pictures to look for broken bones or infections. You will be given dye in an IV to help caregivers see the images better.
  
  
• CT scan: An x-ray uses a computer to take pictures of tissues. Caregivers look for objects stuck in your wound. They also check the muscles, blood vessels, and organs.
  
  
• MRI: Caregivers use these pictures to look for objects left in the wound or near the bones. These pictures may also show infection in your tissues.
  
  
• Ultrasound: An ultrasound is a simple test that looks inside of your body. Sound waves are used to show pictures of your organs and tissues on a TV-like screen.
  
  
• X-rays: Caregivers use these pictures to look for broken bones or other injuries around your wound. They may also check for objects such as dirt or metal.

Treatments:

• Cleansing: The wound may be rinsed with sterile water. Germ-killing solutions may also be used. Your caregiver may cut open a part of the affected area to clean it better.
  
  
• Debridement: Debridement is surgery to clean and remove objects, dirt, or dead skin and tissues from the wound area. Your caregivers may also drain the wound to clean out pus.
  
  
• Surgery: You may need surgery if your wound is deep and blood vessels, bones, or nerves need to be repaired. Your wound may be left open until it heals, or may be closed right away with stitches.

Learn more about Puncture Wound (Inpatient Care)