Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 12-1. Locations of the major collections of lymph nodes
The diagnosis of a wound infection is confirmed by the finding of purulent materi-
al—pus—in the wound or on its dressing. The discharge may be cream, green, pink, or
reddish in color, depending upon the infecting organism. Occasionally the discharge may
be clear and straw colored. A foul odor is often—but not always—present. Rarely, an in-
fected wound produces a very scanty discharge. A diagnosis of infection is not necessarily
incorrect just because little purulent drainage is present.
The skin edges of an infected wound are sometimes sealed by coagulated serum, and
exudate from the infection cannot escape onto the dressings. If other signs of infection are
present, the edges of the wound should be spread apart and the wound gently probed with
a pair of sterile forceps. (This process is less painful if the wound is soaked in warm, dis-
Search WWH ::




Custom Search