Sterile Procedures
LESSON 4: Procedures Used in Wound Care
4-6
4-6. CLEANSING A WOUND
Cleanse the wound if order indicates. Dip each cotton-tipped applicator or gauze sponge into a saline solution before using it to clean the wound. The cleansing strokes are different for linear wounds than for circular wounds.
a. Cleansing a Linear Wound. The steps for cleansing a linear wound are shown in figure 4-6.
Figure 4-6. Linear wound.
(1) Stroke 1. Swab (wipe) the area directly over the wound with a single stroke. Discard the applicator (sponge) into the container for contaminated wastes.
(2) Stroke 2. On the patient's right side, swab (wipe) the area next to the wound with a single stroke. Discard the applicator (sponge).
(3) Stroke 3. On the patient's left side, swab (wipe) the area next to the wound with a single stroke. Discard the applicator (sponge).
(4) Stroke 4. On the patient's right side, swab (wipe) the area next to the second stroke with a single stroke. Discard the applicator (sponge).
(5) Stroke 5. On the patient's left side, swab (wipe) the area next to the third stroke with a single stroke. Discard the applicator (sponge).
b. Cleansing a Circular Wound. Steps for cleansing a circular or puncture wound are illustrated in figure 4-7.
Figure 4-7. Puncture wound.
(1) Stroke 1. Starting at the center of the wound, swab the area in an outward circular spiral. Then discard the applicator (sponge).
(2) Stroke 2. From the spot where the first stroke ended, continue swabbing (wiping) in an outward circular pattern for about one and one-half revolutions. Then discard the applicator
(sponge).
(3) Stroke 3. From the spot where the second stroke ended, continue swabbing (wiping) in an outward circular pattern for about one and one-half revolutions. Then discard the applicator (sponge).
(4) Stroke 4. From the spot where the third stroke ended, continue swabbing (wiping) in an outward circular pattern for about one and one-half revolutions. Then discard the applicator (sponge). Continue cleaning the area, if needed, until the area around the wound has been cleansed.
