NMWH
11-15-2011, 08:50 PM
How do I remember what steps to take when repairing a wound?
Use the mnemonic LACERATE:
L = Look. Evaluate the wound to determine the most appropriate closure. Examine thoroughly for movement, sensation, and pulsation distal to the wound.
A = Anesthetize.
C = Clip and clean. Clipping hair leads to less infection than shaving. Methodical irrigation is the best way to decrease infection risk.
E = Equipment. Have everything needed for repair at the bedside, including laceration kit, sterile gloves, suture material, and dressing.
R = Repair. Perform the repair. Devitalized tissue may need to be débrided.
A = Assess results. Reevaluate the wound when the repair is near completion to determine the need for additional sutures.
T = Tetanus. Give tetanus prophylaxis for dirty or contaminated wounds when the patient has not had a booster in 5 years or for clean wounds when the patient has not had a booster in 10 years.
E = Educate. Educate the patient on how to care for the wound, signs of infection, and the timing of suture removal
Use the mnemonic LACERATE:
L = Look. Evaluate the wound to determine the most appropriate closure. Examine thoroughly for movement, sensation, and pulsation distal to the wound.
A = Anesthetize.
C = Clip and clean. Clipping hair leads to less infection than shaving. Methodical irrigation is the best way to decrease infection risk.
E = Equipment. Have everything needed for repair at the bedside, including laceration kit, sterile gloves, suture material, and dressing.
R = Repair. Perform the repair. Devitalized tissue may need to be débrided.
A = Assess results. Reevaluate the wound when the repair is near completion to determine the need for additional sutures.
T = Tetanus. Give tetanus prophylaxis for dirty or contaminated wounds when the patient has not had a booster in 5 years or for clean wounds when the patient has not had a booster in 10 years.
E = Educate. Educate the patient on how to care for the wound, signs of infection, and the timing of suture removal