In a placement during my second year when I was working on a surgical ward, I was working under the supervision of my mentor, caring for a seventy-two year old gentleman, Mr Khan (pseudonym), who had undergone abdominal surgery. I had been asked to remove his wound dressing so that the doctor could assess it on the ward round.
Introduction
In the field of healthcare, the role of a surgical nurse is crucial in providing safe and effective care to patients who have undergone surgical procedures. This assignment will discuss the experience of a student nurse working on a surgical ward, specifically in the context of wound dressing removal and assessment. The case study involves a seventy-two-year-old man, Mr. Khan (pseudonym), who had recently undergone abdominal surgery. The primary goal of this assignment is to reflect on the author’s experience and explore the importance of wound assessment in the context of surgical care.
Background
Wound dressing removal is a common nursing procedure that involves the careful removal of a sterile dressing covering a surgical wound. The purpose of this procedure is to assess the wound site for any signs of healing, infection, or complications. The assessment helps healthcare professionals determine the effectiveness of the surgical intervention, prevent complications, and ensure appropriate wound healing. In the case of Mr. Khan, the dressing removal was necessary for the doctor’s assessment during the ward round.
Discussion
During the placement on the surgical ward, the author was assigned to work under the supervision of a mentor, caring for Mr. Khan, who had recently undergone abdominal surgery. As a student nurse, the author was tasked with the responsibility of removing Mr. Khan’s wound dressing, providing an opportunity for the doctor to assess the wound site. This experience provided a valuable learning opportunity to observe and participate in the wound assessment process.
In the context of Mr. Khan’s case, it is essential to highlight the significance of a systematic approach to wound assessment. According to Chaby et al. (2017), a comprehensive wound assessment involves several key components, including inspecting the wound site, evaluating the wound bed, assessing exudate, measuring wound dimensions, and documenting any signs of infection or delayed healing. These assessments are crucial for effective wound management and the prevention of complications.
Upon entering Mr. Khan’s room, the author introduced themselves and explained the purpose of the procedure. Establishing effective communication and obtaining consent from the patient is critical in ensuring patient autonomy and promoting trust. According to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC, 2018), nurses must obtain informed consent from patients before any intervention to respect their autonomy and promote patient-centered care.
After explaining the procedure and obtaining consent, the author proceeded to prepare the necessary equipment for wound dressing removal. This process involves ensuring a clean and sterile environment, gathering the appropriate equipment, such as gloves, sterile gauze, and wound cleaning solutions, and following infection control protocols. Maintaining sterile conditions is vital to prevent infection and promote wound healing.
As the author removed the dressing, they carefully observed the wound site. Visual inspection is an essential part of wound assessment as it provides valuable information about the wound’s appearance, presence of granulation tissue, signs of infection, and any potential complications. Lambert and Glasper (2019) highlight the importance of assessing for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, warmth, odor, and the presence of purulent discharge. In Mr. Khan’s case, the wound appeared clean and free from any signs of infection, indicating a positive progress in the healing process.
The author also noted the presence of granulation tissue, which is a positive sign of wound healing. Granulation tissue indicates the formation of new blood vessels and connective tissue at the wound site, promoting tissue regeneration and wound closure. The presence of healthy granulation tissue suggests that the surgical wound is progressing towards the proliferative phase of healing (Dowsett and Newton, 2019).
Conclusion
The experience of removing Mr. Khan’s wound dressing provided valuable insights into the importance of wound assessment in the context of surgical care. The procedure highlighted the significance of a systematic approach to wound assessment, including visual inspection, evaluating wound characteristics, and documenting any signs of infection or delayed healing. By following evidence-based guidelines and maintaining a sterile environment, healthcare professionals can ensure effective wound management, prevent complications, and promote optimal patient outcomes.