How do you know that a wound is infected?.
Signs and symptoms of infection will be present which will include:
Pain at the wound sight and around the wound.
Increased in purulent drainage.
Foul smell or bad odor.
Discoloration of the granulation tissue,not beefy red.
Inflammation at the site.
Delay in wound healing.
Other signs that may or may not be present are fever, elevated WBC.
TREATMENT .
Obtain wound culture.
Intravenous antibiotics as ordered.
Possible systemic antibiotics.
Healthy wound edges should be maintained.
Obtain clean wound bed.
Maintain moist environment.
Involve the caregiver and patient in the plan of care.
Teach caregiver and patient how to change wound dressing before discharge.They should demonstrate understanding of the teaching.
Clean wound and apply dressing change to the wound as ordered.
Re-evaluate wound in two to four weeks to see if wound size has decreased and no more infection. If there is still infection treatment modality need to be changed for the wound to be free from infection and heal.Do not allow early closure without the wound healing from inside out.
Nurses You Move Me 