Operational Medicine 2001
Clean a Wound

Preparation and Equipment:

1.  Consider administration of anesthetic subcutaneously to anesthetize area for cleaning.   This will allow time for method to take effect while you gather supplies.  Remember not to use anesthetic preparations containing epinephrine near areas of nose, face, fingers, toes or genital areas as the vasoconstrictive action may compromise circulation to these areas.

2.  Gather equipment:  sterile normal saline or sterile water, syringe (60cc or 30cc), splash guard, gloves, dressing material, tape, protective drapes/toweling.  Select protective equipment based on need and method of cleansing:  gloves, gown, face shield and/or goggles.

3.  Consider use of  systemic antibiotics and/or prophylactic antibiotic ointment to wound site once wound is cleaned.

Procedure:

1. Place patient in position of comfort.  They will likely be in this position for several minutes.

2. Don protective gloves.

3. Use syringe to irrigate wound with sterile irrigation solution.  

4. Repeat this step several times so that approximately 500-1000cc of solution are used.  This is to ensure adequate irrigation and dissolution of clots that formed with debris entrapped.

5. Dry wound with sterile gauze and prepare for sterile dressing application if indicated.

Reference:  Nettina, Sandra M., (1996)  The lippincott manual of nursing practice (6^th ed.)  pp 95.  Lippincott:  Philadelphia.

Patrick Myer RN, BSN, CEN

Emergency Medicine Department

Naval Medical Center, Portsmouth

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Operational Medicine 2001
Health Care in Military Settings

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