FINGER LACERATION

AHC 7/30 - 9:30 PM

• 43 yo F with unremarkable PMH
• L ring finger lac from slicing an onion around 5 pm.
• Bleeding hasn't stopped. Denies bleeding disorders.
• T 99 P 88 BP 119/81

"Ulnar aspect distal most pad of the left ring finger with 3 mm ovoid clean laceration w cont bleeding. No FB, no deep injury. NVI. No need for repair as the cut has removed the small area of skin. Capillary bleeding is controlled with gel foam."

ASSESSMENT: FINGER LACERATION

ORDERS

• CBC
• TdaP

PLAN

• Thoroughly cleansed with hibiclens and NS
• CBC
• Est w PCP

Patient Instructions:

Your Kaiser Permanente Care Instructions

Cuts: After Your Visit

Your Care Instructions

A laceration, or cut, is an open wound through the skin. Taking good care of your cut at home will help it heal quickly and reduce your chance of infection.

The doctor may have used stitches, staples, tape (Steri-strips), or skin glue to close the wound. This will help stop the bleeding, help the wound heal, and may reduce scarring.

While your wound is healing, avoid any activity that could cause your wound to reopen.

You may need a tetanus shot if you have not received one in the last 5 years.

The doctor has checked you carefully, but problems can develop later. If you notice any problems or new symptoms, get medical treatment right away.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

Keep the wound dry for the first 48 hours or as your doctor recommends.
Clean the area with soap and water 2 times a day unless your doctor gives you different instructions. Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing.
You may cover the cut with a thin layer of antibiotic ointment, such as bacitracin, and a nonstick bandage. Do not use an ointment that contains neomycin, because it can irritate the skin.
Apply more ointment and replace the bandage as needed.
If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
Take pain medicines exactly as directed. Some pain is normal with a cut, but do not ignore pain that is getting worse instead of better. You could have an infection.
If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
If you have stitches, your doctor may remove them after several days to 2 weeks.
If you have Steri-strips, leave them on for a week, or until they loosen and come off on their own.
If you have staples, your doctor may remove them after 7 to 14 days.
If your wound was closed with skin glue, the glue will wear off in a few days to 2 weeks. Do not put antibiotic ointment or cream on the glue.
When should you call for help?

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

You have symptoms of infection, such as:
Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness near the wound.
Red streaks leading from the wound.
Pus draining from the wound.
A fever.
The wound comes open.
The wound bleeds through the dressing. Oozing small amounts of blood is normal.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

You do not get better as expected.
Where can you learn more?

Go to http://www.kp.org

Enter M735 in the search box to learn more about "Cuts: After Your Visit".

Last Revised: June 27, 2012

© 2006-2014 Healthwise, Incorporated. Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.

COBAN

CBC
•WBC, AUTO 11.1 (H) 4.8 - 10.8 K/ul
• RBC, AUTO 4.26 3.80 - 5.40 M/ul
• HGB, AUTO 11.8 11.4 - 16.0 gm/dl
• HCT, AUTO 35.3 34.2 - 47.0 %
• MCV 83.0 80 - 99 FL
• MCHC 33.3 32 - 36 gm/dl
• RDW, RBC 13.4 0.0 - 14.5 %
• PLATELETS, AUTO 224 130 - 440 K/uL

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