K.N.O.W. Home Health - GENERAL WOUND EDUCATION

Patient Education: Wound Infection and Compromised Wounds

Understanding Wound Infection

A wound infection happens when germs get into a cut, scrape, or surgery site and make it sick. Signs of infection include:

Redness around the wound
Swelling or warmth at the site
Pain that is getting worse instead of better
Pus or foul-smelling drainage
Fever or feeling sick

Compromised Wound

A compromised wound is a wound that is not healing properly. This can happen if:

The wound becomes wet or dirty
The wound dressing is not changed properly
There is poor blood flow or another medical problem

Compromised Wound Dressing

Your wound dressing helps protect the wound. A compromised dressing may:

Be wet, soiled, or loose
Not cover the wound completely
Cause leakage of drainage
Look or smell unusual

When to Call Home Health or Doctor

Call home health or your doctor if:

The wound has mild redness or swelling
There is a little drainage or you notice an odor
You have mild pain
Your dressing needs help or is wet

When to Go to the Emergency Room

Go to the ER immediately if:

The wound is bleeding heavily
You have a fever above 101°F (38.3°C)
You have severe pain or swelling
There is thick, yellow, green, or foul-smelling pus
You feel very weak, dizzy, or sick

General Tips

Wash your hands before touching the wound
Keep the wound clean and dry
Change the dressing as your nurse or doctor tells you
Avoid touching the wound with dirty hands

True or False Questions

True or False: A red, swollen wound can be a sign of infection.
True or False: Mild pain that gets better over time is usually a sign of infection.
True or False: A compromised wound heals slower than a normal wound.
True or False: You should call home health if your wound dressing is wet or soiled.
True or False: Fever can be a sign that your wound is infected.
True or False: All pus is normal and does not need medical attention.
True or False: You should wash your hands before touching your wound.
True or False: If your wound dressing is loose or not covering the wound, it is considered compromised.
True or False: You should go to the ER for mild redness around your wound.
True or False: Thick yellow or green drainage is a sign of infection and needs urgent care.
True or False: Keeping your wound clean and dry helps it heal faster.
True or False: A small amount of foul odor is normal and does not require calling your doctor.
True or False: Heavy bleeding from a wound requires going to the ER immediately.
True or False: You should avoid touching your wound with dirty hands.
True or False: Mild swelling is always normal and never a problem.
True or False: You should call your doctor if your wound is not healing properly.
True or False: Warmth around the wound can be a sign of infection.
True or False: You should only change your dressing when it looks dirty, not according to your nurse’s instructions.
True or False: Feeling weak or dizzy with a wound infection may require ER care.
True or False: Compromised wound dressings can slow down healing.

Answer Key with Explanations

True – Redness and swelling can indicate infection.
False – Pain that improves is normal; pain that worsens may signal infection.
True – Compromised wounds heal slower.
True – Wet or soiled dressings need attention.
True – Fever can be a sign of infection.
False – Pus usually indicates infection and should be checked.
True – Handwashing prevents introducing germs.
True – Loose or incomplete dressings are compromised.
False – Mild redness can be reported to home health, ER is not needed unless severe.
True – Thick colored drainage is a serious sign.
True – Clean and dry wounds heal better.
False – Foul odor can indicate infection and should be reported.
True – Heavy bleeding requires ER care.
True – Dirty hands can cause infection.
False – Swelling can be a warning sign.
True – Doctor should know if healing is slow.
True – Warmth is a sign of infection.
False – Dressings should be changed as instructed, not only when dirty.
True – Feeling weak or dizzy may indicate a serious infection.
True – Compromised dressings slow healing and increase infection risk.