Acute Traumatic Wounds: Evaluation, Cleansing, and Repair in Urgent Care

Acute Traumatic Wounds: Evaluation, Cleansing, and Repair in Urgent Care is organized by EB Medicine.

Date of Original Release: August 01, 2022
Termination date: August 01, 2025

About This Course:
Traumatic wounds are common presentations to urgent care centers. While most minor traumatic wounds and lacerations will heal well, appropriate management is required to preserve function and cosmesis as well as to prevent infection and other complications. This course reviews evidence-based recommendations for management of acute traumatic wounds, including evaluation, cleansing, anesthesia, selection of closure methods and materials, and post-repair instructions. Management of high-risk wounds and special considerations for the evaluation and repair of selected lacerations are also reviewed. In this issue, you will learn:
The key factors to consider in the initial evaluation of traumatic wounds and lacerations in urgent care
The safest and most cost-effective methods of wound cleansing and closure
The indications for prophylactic antibiotics
Post-repair wound care instructions for patients
The wound characteristics that should prompt consultation with a specialist or transfer to the ED

CME Objectives:
Upon completion of this activity, you should be able to: 
(1) describe the initial steps of wound evaluation in the urgent care setting;
(2) prepare a wound for closure, including irrigation and anesthesia;
(3) select the appropriate methods and materials for wound closure; and 
(4) identify wounds that are at high risk for complications.