Introduction

Figure 8.1 Nurses apply different types of dressings depending on the type of wound and the ways the wound must be managed. For example, using a transparent dressing allows the nurse to monitor an insertion site for complications. (credit: “Mass casualty exercise 130512-A-WI517-091” by Spc. Vang Seng Thao/Wikimedia Commons, Public Domain)

Chapter Outline

8.1 Wound Classification

8.2 Wound Assessment

8.3 Wound Management

8.4 Burn Injuries and Management

Wounds come in all shapes and sizes, from scrapes after a fall to gunshot wounds, ulcers related to pressure or insufficient circulation, and incisions after surgery or burns. Every human is impacted by wounds and every nurse must be able to effectively assess and manage them. This unit will discuss proper wound classification, assessment, and management. It will also discuss burn injuries.