1 Bleeding, Infection, and Wound Complications Free Online FlashCards

Which signs may indicate significant postoperative blood loss?

A fast pulse, falling blood pressure, pallor, cool clammy skin, and restlessness can signal significant blood loss.

Why can a small amount of visible bleeding still be concerning?

Bleeding can be concealed. Concerning changes such as a fast pulse or clammy skin can signal blood loss even when little blood is visible.

What is the priority response to suspected significant postoperative bleeding?

Get urgent clinical help and notify the surgical team. Assess the patient and vital signs, report bleeding amount and progression, follow emergency protocols, and do not leave the patient alone.

What changes at an incision may warn of a surgical-site infection?

Worsening incision pain, increasing redness or warmth, fever, and cloudy or pus-like drainage may indicate a surgical-site infection.

What should a patient do about worsening incision symptoms or changed drainage?

Contact the surgical team promptly and report the changes. The care team can determine whether examination, testing, or treatment is needed.

When should hands be cleaned during wound care?

Clean hands before and after wound care to help reduce infection risk.

Should visitors handle a surgical dressing?

Visitors should not touch the wound or dressing, even if their hands are clean.

Should antibiotic ointment routinely be applied to a surgical incision?

Do not routinely apply antibiotic ointment to a surgical incision unless the clinical team recommends it.

What should guide home care of a surgical wound?

Follow the wound-care instructions provided by the clinical team; they guide safe care for the particular wound and procedure.

What is wound dehiscence, and how promptly should it be assessed?

Wound separation, or dehiscence, is the separation of incision edges and needs prompt assessment by the surgical team.

What should be done when incision edges separate?

Notify the surgical team immediately. Protect the exposed area with a sterile dressing as directed by clinical protocol and avoid straining the wound.

How should protruding tissue or organs through an incision be handled?

Protruding internal tissue or organs through an open incision is an emergency. Get immediate help and do not push anything back inside.