Lorraine Poulos

49 Skin care Simple wound care 1 2 3 4 Know your client’s allergies / sensitivities: • Check care plan for current instructions for wound management • Understand medical conditions that contribute to wounds • Avoid the use of alkaline soaps and cleansers Before the task: • Ensure the dressing procedure is within your scope of duties • Explain the procedure to the client, check if client has pain • Attend hand hygiene • Organise the equipment needed • Prepare the surface for the equipment and wipe clean with detergent wipes • Ensure the client has privacy and is positioned comfortably, and wound is easily accessible • Apply PPE During the task: • Open equipment as needed • Gently remove the soiled dressing and dispose in appropriate container / bag • Discard gloves, forceps if used • Attend hand hygiene • Take photo or measure with a wound grid • Check if further equipment / solution required and apply PPE • Clean wound with cleansing solution as per guidelines swabbing from clean to dirty in one direction and discard swab each time • Apply new dressing and secure as per guidelines • Reassure the client of progress After the task: • Ensure the client is comfortable • Dispose of waste according to policy guidelines • Clean surface and attend hand hygiene Document in the Client Journal : • Any change to wound • Client report of pain or discomfort 5 Guide for consumers, carers and workers