Inability to remove an object or debris from a wound
In the following situations, do not try to remove an object or debris from the wound. Seek medical treatment immediately.
- Do not remove an object that has punctured and penetrated the eyeball. Note: Do not bandage or put any pressure on the eye. If an object has penetrated the eyeball, hold the object in place to prevent further movement and injury to the eye.
- If the wound is serious enough because of its location or depth that you are going to seek medical treatment, it is usually best to leave the object in place. Stabilize the object by holding or taping it in place. Splint the limb to help prevent the object from moving. The object can be removed by a health professional.
If the object has fallen out or has been removed, always check to see if the object that caused the wound is intact. If part of the object is still in the wound, it is usually best to have it removed by a health professional. If possible, take the broken object with you. Objects made of organic material, such as wood, may not be visible on X-ray and can be difficult to remove, even by a health professional.
If the object is small and sticking out of the wound or visible in the wound, remove it with clean tweezers. Use care not to push the object farther into the wound. Bleeding may increase when the object is removed. If the object is difficult to remove, leave it in place for removal by your health professional.
When an object is left in a wound, the chance of infection increases and the wound may not heal. Suspect that an object is still in the wound if:
- The object that caused the puncture wound is not intact.
- Pain significantly increases when pressure is applied to the wound.
| Author: | Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC | Last Updated: June 30, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine | |
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