Policy Manual sample

MDT Home Health Care Agency, Inc. 150 WOUND IRRIGATION PURPOSE: Irrigation of wounds are performed in accordance with specific physician’s orders which specify the solution and frequency. Irrigations are performed to clean wound bed of drainage and necrotic tissue, to promote healing, to stimulate circulation, to prevent surface healing over abscess or infected tract and to administer local medication. RESPONSIBLE PERSONNEL: RN, LPN EQUIPMENT: Wound irrigation solution, dressing supplies as ordered, personal protective equipment as needed, gloves PROCEDURE: 1. Explain procedure to patient. 2. Gather equipment. and set treatment field. 3. Assist patient to assume appropriate position for procedure. Place a chux pad under affected area. Place an emesis basin below the wound area as needed. 4. Screen and drape the patient for privacy as needed. 5. Wash hands. Put on disposable gloves. Use a gown if indicated. 6. Open plastic bag to receive old dressing. Remove soiled dressing. Discard dressing and gloves into the plastic bag 7. Use alcohol gel and don clean gloves. 8. Assess appearance and size of wound, as well as the characteristics and amount of exudate. 10. Direct solution from the clean to the dirty area. Do not touch syringe tip to wound. 13. Wipe the area around the wound with dry gauze moving from inner to outer aspect of area. Assess wound for presence of granulating tissue. 14. Apply dressing as ordered. 16. Clean and store reusable equipment and supplies. 17. Remove and discard gloves and personal protective equipment. 18. Wash hands. DOCUMENTATION: Document the date, time of procedure, the type and amount of irrigating solution, the appearance of the wound, the type of drainage, the presence of necrotic or granulating tissue, the type of dressing applied, the patient's tolerance of the treatment, instructions given to the patient or caregivers and their response on the Clinical Visit Note. ____________________________________________________