Pediatric Nursing Demystified

The third and fourth phases of healing involve wound contraction and

maturation. A pink elevated scar with possible itching over time

advances to a pale scar tissue (a child may develop more scar tissue than

an adult).

Signs of infection may include

• Erythema,redness of the skin due to inflammation, particularly in
  the area around the wound


• Edema


• Purulent drainage (exudates)


• Pain


• Increased temperature (systemic and warmth at site)

Test Results

Wound size measurement with tape or caliper may be performed to

assess healing.

Wound culture may be done to determine organism in infection.

Treatments

Healing is promoted by good nutrition, circulation, and avoidance of

irritants, including antiseptics such as Neosporin or Bacitracin or Betadine

(povidone-iodine).

Nursing alert Povidone-iodine should be avoided with open wounds and in chil-

dren with thyroid or renal conditions because it is absorbed into the blood-

stream of small children.

Pain relief medication.

Dressings may applied for the following reasons:

• Provides a healing environment with moist gauze


• Protects wound from infections


• Provides compression to reduce bleeding or swelling


• Facilitates the application of medication


• Absorbs drainage


• Debrides necrotic tissue


• Controls odor


• Reduces pain

Nursing Interventions

Use sterile technique to avoid introduction of organisms into clean

wound.

 Teach child and parents how to care for skin and wound(s):

• Specify frequency of dressing change and medication application;
  stress that extra ointment or increased frequency could damage

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