FIRST AID

If the cut is severe and you can't get your child to an ER right away or must wait for an ambulance, begin

this treatment:

• Rinse the cut or wound with water and apply pressure with sterile gauze, a bandage, or a clean

cloth.

• If blood soaks through the bandage, put another bandage on top of the first and keep applying

pressure.

• Raise the injured body part to slow bleeding.

• When bleeding stops, cover the wound with a new, clean bandage.

• Do not use a tourniquet.

How Do I Treat a Minor Cut?

First, wash your hands. Then, rinse off the cut with water so you can see it clearly and check its size.

If the cut is bleeding:

• Put a piece of sterile gauze or a clean cloth over the cut. Wear clean latex or rubber gloves if you

have them. Apply pressure with your hand for 5–10 minutes without peeking to check the cut.

Then, if the cut is still bleeding, keep applying pressure for 5–10 minutes more.

• If blood soaks through the gauze, do not remove it. Put another gauze pad on top and keep

applying pressure.

• If you can, raise the bleeding body part above the level of the child's heart. Do not apply a

tourniquet.

• If the bleeding doesn’t stop after 15–20 minutes, take your child for medical care or call 911.

If the cut is not bleeding or you were able to stop the bleeding:

• Rinse the cut well with water to clean out dirt and debris.

• Wash the skin around the cut with a mild soap and rinse well. (You don't need to use an

antiseptic solution. They can cause skin reactions.)

• Cover the wound with a clean bandage or clean gauze and tape.

• Change the bandage each day or any time it gets wet.

• After the wound forms a scab, a bandage isn't needed.

1. Determine etiology (e.g., acute or chronic wound, burn, dermatological lesion, pressure ulcer, leg
ulcer). Prior assessment of wound etiology is critical for the proper identification of nursing interventions
that will guide nursing care.

2. Assess the site of impaired tissue integrity and its condition. Redness, swelling, pain, burning, and
itching are indications of inflammation and the body’s immune system response to localized tissue
trauma or impaired tissue integrity.

3. Assess characteristics of the wound, including color, size (length, width, depth), drainage, and odor.
These findings will give information on the extent of the impaired tissue integrity or injury. Pale tissue
color is a sign of decreased oxygenation. An odor may result from the presence of infection on the site; it
may also be coming from necrotic tissue. Serous exudate from a wound is a normal part of inflammation
and must be differentiated from pus or purulent discharge present in the infection.

4. Assess changes in body temperature, specifically increased body temperature. Fever is a systemic
manifestation of inflammation and may indicate the presence of infection.

5. Assess the patient’s level of pain. Pain is part of the normal inflammatory process. The extent and
depth of injury may affect pain sensations.

6. Monitor site of impaired tissue integrity at least once daily for color changes, redness, swelling,
warmth, pain, or other signs of infection. Systematic inspection can identify impending problems early.

7. Monitor the status of the skin around the wound. Monitor patient’s skin care practices, noting the
type of soap or other cleansing agents used, the temperature of the water, and frequency of skin
cleansing. Individualize plan is necessary according to the patient’s skin condition, needs, and
preferences.

8. Know signs of itching and scratching. The patient who scratches the skin to alleviate extreme itching
may open skin lesions and increase the risk for infection.

9. Assess patient’s nutritional status; refer for a nutritional consultation or institute dietary supplements.
Inadequate nutritional intake places the patient at risk for skin breakdown and compromises healing,
causing impaired tissue integrity.
Do’s

• Check your skin daily for dryness, cracks, sores, bruises, reddened areas, and blisters. Have
someone help you or check for you if you are unable to do it yourself.

• Treat the skin gently without stretching, tugging or pulling on it unnecessarily.

• Cleanse the skin with a mild, pH-balanced product.

• Use warm to the touch (elbow or inner wrist) water for cleansing/bathing.

• You may use a very soft nail brush to clean nails and crusty skin area.

• Rinse well. Remove all residue of the cleanser from the skin.

• Dry all skin folds and creases. Pay special attention to the area between, under and around the
toes.

• Moisturize the skin after cleansing. You may leave a light film of moisture on the skin just prior to
applying the lubricating product.

• Lubricate dry skin with a heavier barrier type product after moisturizing.

• Wear soft clothing.

• Drink adequate amounts of water.

• For extra protection at night wear white cotton socks for feet and gloves for hands if indicated.

• You may use a baking soda based or equivalent powder for foot care if perspiration is a problem.
It will help with odor and moisture control. Apply by sprinkling on the hands, dusting off the
excess and gently rubbing onto the skin.

• If you are using tape to secure a dressing, place the tape on the dressing only

Don’ts

• Don’t bathe in hot water.

• Don’t soak for more than five minutes.

• Don’t use skin care products with alcohol and/or an extensive list of preservatives.

• Don’t use lanolin, coal tar or petrolatum-based products if you have sensitive skin.

• Don’t use abrasive or rough washcloths for skin care and wound healing.

• Don’t scratch dry, itching areas.

• Don’t apply tape of any kind to dry, sensitive, fragile skin.

• Don’t neglect new areas of irritation, soreness, or discomfort on the skin.

• Don’t apply lotion or creams between the toes, only to the top and bottom of the foot.