Patient Education: Laceration Wound Care

What is a Laceration?

A laceration is a cut or tear in the skin. It can be small and shallow or deep and wide. Sometimes stitches or special glue may be needed to close it.

Causes of a Laceration

Accidents with sharp objects (knives, scissors, glass, metal).
Falls or accidents that tear the skin.
Sports injuries or animal bites.

Prevention

Use caution with sharp tools and knives.
Wear protective gloves or clothing when needed.
Keep floors and walkways free of clutter to prevent falls.
Be careful around animals.

Treatment (Follow Your Doctor’s Orders)

Wash hands before touching the wound or dressing.
Change the bandage as directed by your doctor or nurse.
Keep the wound clean and dry.
Take medicines, such as antibiotics or pain relievers, as ordered.
Follow all instructions about stitches or wound glue if used.

What is a Compromised Wound Dressing?

A wound dressing (bandage) is compromised if:

It is loose or falls off.
It gets wet, dirty, or soaked with blood or fluid.
It no longer covers the wound fully.

What to do:

Wash hands.
Replace the dressing with a clean one.
If you do not have supplies, call your nurse or doctor for instructions.

Signs and Symptoms of Complications

Fever or chills.
Red streaks moving away from the wound.
Strong or bad odor.
Pus or thick yellow/green drainage.
Severe swelling, pain, or bleeding that does not stop.

Signs of Infection

Increased redness or warmth around the wound.
More pain or swelling than before.
Drainage that looks cloudy, yellow, or green.

Signs the Wound is Getting Worse

The wound is not healing or looks larger.
The wound edges open more.
You feel sicker, weaker, or have spreading pain.

Diet for Wound Healing

Eat foods high in protein (chicken, fish, beans, eggs, tofu).
Include vitamins and minerals (fruits, vegetables, whole grains).
Drink enough water to stay hydrated.
Talk to your doctor or home health nurse before making diet changes, especially if you have kidney disease. Some foods may not be safe for your kidneys.

When to Contact Your Home Health Nurse or Doctor

Dressing is compromised, and you are unsure how to fix it.
Mild redness or swelling.
Questions about wound care or diet.
You run out of supplies or medication.

When to Go to the Emergency Room

Heavy bleeding that does not stop after 10 minutes of pressure.
Deep wound that opens wide or looks very large.
Signs of serious infection (fever, red streaks, pus, spreading pain).
Severe pain not relieved by prescribed medicine.
You feel very weak, faint, or cannot function.

Patient Homework/Assessment – True or False

Write True or False next to each statement.

True or False: A laceration is a cut or tear in the skin.
True or False: You should always wash your hands before touching your wound.
True or False: A compromised dressing is one that is loose, wet, dirty, or does not cover the wound.
True or False: You should leave a wet or dirty dressing on until your next nurse visit.
True or False: Eating protein can help your wound heal faster.
True or False: If you have kidney disease, you should change your diet without asking your nurse or doctor.
True or False: Redness, swelling, and pus are signs of infection.
True or False: Fever and red streaks moving away from the wound may mean a serious complication.
True or False: You should keep your wound clean and dry as part of your treatment.
True or False: Falling on sharp objects can cause a laceration.
True or False: You should go to the emergency room if heavy bleeding does not stop after 10 minutes of pressure.
True or False: You should call your home health nurse if you run out of wound supplies.
True or False: Bad odor from the wound may mean infection.
True or False: Drinking enough water helps wound healing.
True or False: A wound getting larger or not healing is a sign of worsening.
True or False: Pain that keeps getting worse is normal and should be ignored.
True or False: You should wear gloves or protective gear to help prevent cuts.
True or False: Stitches or special glue may sometimes be used to close lacerations.
True or False: You should always follow your doctor’s orders for wound treatment.
True or False: You should never contact your doctor or nurse with questions about your wound.

Answer Key with Explanations

True – A laceration is a cut or tear in the skin.
True – Hand washing prevents infection.
True – A compromised dressing is not protecting the wound properly.
False – Wet/dirty dressings must be changed to prevent infection.
True – Protein helps the body build tissue and heal.
False – Always check with doctor/nurse about diet changes if you have kidney disease.
True – Redness, swelling, pus = infection.
True – Fever and red streaks are serious and need urgent attention.
True – Keeping the wound clean/dry prevents infection.
True – Sharp object injuries often cause lacerations.
True – Non-stop heavy bleeding requires emergency care.
True – Running out of supplies means you need help to keep wound safe.
True – Foul odor can mean infection.
True – Fluids support healing and health.
True – Wounds getting worse means healing is delayed.
False – Worsening pain should be reported, not ignored.
True – Protective gear prevents cuts and injuries.
True – Stitches or glue are often used for lacerations.
True – Always follow the care plan given by your doctor.
False – You should always call your doctor or nurse with concerns or questions.