Patient Education: Puncture Wound Care
What is a Puncture Wound?
A puncture wound is a small but deep hole in the skin made by something sharp, like a nail, tack, needle, piece of glass, or animal bite. Even though the opening may look small, the wound can go deep and cause infection.
Causes of Puncture Wounds
Stepping on a nail, tack, or piece of glass.
Animal or human bites.
Injuries from tools, needles, or sharp objects.
Accidents during sports or outdoor activities.
Prevention
Wear shoes outdoors and in places where sharp objects may be.
Be careful when handling needles, knives, or tools.
Keep work and home areas free of clutter or sharp objects on the floor.
Keep tetanus shots up to date (ask your doctor).
Treatment (Follow Your Doctor’s Orders)
Wash your hands before touching the wound or bandage.
Clean the wound as directed by your doctor or nurse.
Keep the wound covered with a clean, dry dressing.
Change the bandage as often as ordered.
Take antibiotics or pain medicine only as prescribed.
Watch for signs of infection or worsening.
What is a Compromised Wound Dressing?
A dressing (bandage) is compromised if:
It is loose or falls off.
It becomes wet or dirty.
It does not fully cover the wound.
What to do if it is compromised:
Wash your hands.
Replace with a clean, dry dressing.
If you do not have supplies, call your nurse or doctor.
Signs and Symptoms of Complications
Fever or chills.
Red streaks moving away from the wound.
Severe swelling, pain, or drainage that does not improve.
Heavy bleeding that won’t stop.
Signs of Infection
Redness, warmth, or swelling around the wound.
Thick yellow or green drainage.
Bad smell coming from the wound.
Increased pain.
Signs the Wound is Getting Worse
The wound looks larger or deeper.
The wound edges are opening more.
The wound is not healing over time.
You feel more tired, weak, or sick.
Diet for Wound Healing
Eat foods rich in protein (chicken, fish, beans, eggs, tofu).
Eat fruits and vegetables for vitamins.
Whole grains give energy for healing.
Drink enough water every day.
Important: If you have kidney disease, talk to your doctor or home health nurse before changing your diet. Some high-protein foods may not be safe for your kidneys.
When to Contact Your Home Health Nurse or Doctor
If your bandage is compromised and you need help.
If you notice mild swelling, redness, or drainage.
If you have questions about wound care or your diet.
If 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.
Severe pain that medicine does not help.
Fever, chills, or red streaks spreading from the wound.
Signs of serious infection (pus, foul odor, spreading redness).
If an object is stuck in the wound and cannot be removed safely.
Patient Homework/Assessment – True or False
Write True or False next to each statement:
True or False: A puncture wound is a small but deep hole in the skin.
True or False: Puncture wounds can be caused by nails, bites, or glass.
True or False: Wearing shoes can help prevent puncture wounds.
True or False: You should wash your hands before touching your wound.
True or False: A compromised dressing is one that is loose, dirty, wet, or not covering the wound.
True or False: If your dressing is compromised, you should leave it until the next nurse visit.
True or False: Red streaks moving away from the wound may be a sign of a complication.
True or False: Fever and chills can be a warning sign of infection.
True or False: Thick yellow or green drainage may mean infection.
True or False: Bad odor coming from the wound is normal and not a concern.
True or False: Heavy bleeding that does not stop needs emergency care.
True or False: You should call your nurse if you run out of supplies.
True or False: Protein-rich foods help wounds heal faster.
True or False: If you have kidney disease, you should change your diet without talking to your nurse or doctor.
True or False: Fruits and vegetables are good for wound healing.
True or False: Pain that keeps getting worse should be ignored.
True or False: You should keep your wound clean and dry.
True or False: Sometimes stitches or glue are used to close a puncture wound.
True or False: You should always follow your doctor’s instructions for wound care.
True or False: Going barefoot outside helps protect you from puncture wounds.
Answer Key with Explanations
True – A puncture wound is a small but deep hole.
True – Nails, bites, or glass often cause puncture wounds.
True – Shoes protect your feet from sharp objects.
True – Handwashing prevents germs from entering the wound.
True – A compromised dressing cannot protect the wound properly.
False – A compromised dressing must be replaced immediately.
True – Red streaks may signal infection spreading.
True – Fever and chills are signs of infection or complication.
True – Yellow or green drainage is not normal and may mean infection.
False – Bad odor is a sign of infection, not normal.
True – Non-stop bleeding is an emergency.
True – Supplies are needed to keep the wound safe.
True – Protein helps build new tissue for healing.
False – If you have kidney disease, you must check with your nurse or doctor before diet changes.
True – Fruits and vegetables give vitamins that help healing.
False – Worsening pain must be reported to your nurse or doctor.
True – Clean and dry wounds heal better and avoid infection.
True – Deep puncture wounds may need stitches or glue.
True – Doctor’s instructions are the safest guide for care.
False – Going barefoot increases your risk of puncture wounds.
© 2025 Judith Regan / K.N.O.W. – Knowledge for Nurturing Optimal Well-Being. All rights reserved. | Educational use only | Not a substitute for medical advice | In emergencies call 911