Question

Wound dehiscence 10 postoperative nursing interventions with rationale

Answer 1

Wound dehisence is a clinical condition characterised by inability of the wound edge to close properly, leading to reopening of the wound. There are various factors contributing to it.Lets see some of the common nursing interventions for wound dehisence.

1. Assess the area, deapth and type of wound. (This will provide information about the characteristics of wound. Usually deep wounds have higher chance of wound dehisence. Wounds over the abdominal cavity, lower extremities etc also have high chance of dehisence.)

2. Cover the wound with a sterile dressing pad.( To prevent bleeding, evisceration of wound and to prevent entry of organisms that may cause infection)

3. Provide comfortable position to the patient.( This will prevent extreme pressure up on the wound and further reduces the risk of evisceration of the inside content through the suture lines.)

4. Apply warm pressure over the eviscerated wound by applying a sterile cloth or dressing pad over it.( Reduce the risk of bleeding and to prevent the protrusion of internal organs).

5. Do not try to reinsert if any internal organs protrudes out.( This may cause further damage to the internal organs and also cause infection)

6. Be with the patient and do not leave him alone.( Patient may become panic and develop further complications)

7. Change the old dressing and apply new sterile wound dressings as per physician's order.( This will aid in early wound healing)

8. Use pressure dressings or binders as per physician's order.( This will prevent the suture lines to attach easily, reduce the risk of bleeding and binders will support the wound while coughing, sneezing etc)

9. Administer antibiotics as per order. ( Proper use of antibiotics helps to prevent infection and allow early wound healing)

10. Assess the wound, if new sutures are required, inform the physician and prepare the patient for the procedure. ( Wound dehisence may leads to evisceration and infection if not treated well. So plan for re suturing the wound)