Wound Care

Step-by-Step Procedure

Procedure: Blood pressure measurement (relevant to wound care).

Technique: Seated, arm at heart level, cuff on bare upper arm, inflate 30mmHg above palpated systolic, deflate 2-3mmHg/sec, Korotkoff sounds: first=systolic, disappear=diastolic

Normal values: Normal: under 120/under 80. Elevated: 120-129/under 80. Stage 1 HTN: 130-139 or 80-89. Stage 2: 140+ or 90+.

Key Values & Ranges

CBC:

• WBC: 4,500-11,000/uL
• RBC: 4.2-5.9 million/uL
• Hemoglobin: 12-16 g/dL (F), 14-18 g/dL (M)
• Hematocrit: 37-47% (F), 42-52% (M)
• Platelets: 150,000-400,000/uL

Lipid panel:

• Total cholesterol: under 200 mg/dL desirable
• LDL: under 100 mg/dL optimal
• HDL: over 40 mg/dL (M), over 50 mg/dL (F)
• Triglycerides: under 150 mg/dL

Regulatory Context

Regulatory context for wound care includes federal and state requirements. Healthcare facilities must comply with CMS Conditions of Participation, state licensure requirements, and accreditation standards (Joint Commission or AAAHC). Non-compliance can result in citations, fines, or loss of Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement.

Overview

Assessment, cleaning, and management of lacerations, abrasions, punctures, and surgical incisions. Wound care principles and infection signs tested on MA and CNA exams.

Clinical connection: Temperature technique involves Oral (under tongue, lips closed, 3-5 min), tympanic (pull ear up and back for adults), temporal (acr.

Related Procedures

Related clinical procedures include phlebotomy. Order of draw for vacuum tubes:

1. Red (no additive for serum)
2. Pink (EDTA for blood bank)
3. Gray (sodium fluoride for glucose)
4. Lavender (EDTA for hematology/CBC)
5. Blood culture (yellow SPS)

Preferred venipuncture site: Median cubital vein (first choice).