Paediatric Nursing (PAED)
WOUND CARE FOR A CHILD
Management of wounds including cleaning, dressing, and monitoring for healing.
Purpose
- Promote healing
- Prevent infection
- Manage exudate
- Reduce pain
Indications
- Surgical wounds
- Traumatic injuries
- Pressure ulcers
- Burns
- Skin breakdown
Equipment
- Sterile gloves
- Sterile gauze
- Antiseptic solution
- Saline
- Appropriate dressings
- Adhesive remover
- Waste bags
- Pain medication
Preparation
- Gather supplies
- Prepare child
- Ensure adequate lighting
- Plan pain management
Procedure steps
- Assess wound
- Explain procedure
- Perform hand hygiene
- Administer analgesia
- Remove old dressing
- Clean wound
- Apply new dressing
- Secure appropriately
- Dispose of waste
- Document care
Precautions
- Use aseptic technique
- Minimize pain
- Protect surrounding skin
- Monitor for infection
Aftercare
- Assess comfort
- Monitor wound
- Schedule next change
- Educate family
Nursing considerations
- Use age-appropriate explanations
- Involve child in care
- Consider distraction techniques
Patient education
- Teach wound care
- Explain signs of infection
- Discuss activity restrictions
Documentation
- Wound appearance
- Measurements
- Drainage
- Interventions
- Patient response
References and further reading
Educational resource only. Follow current Nursing and Midwifery Council guidance, local institutional protocols, scope of practice, and clinical supervision.
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