HHC Health & Home Care Clinical Policy And

HHC HEALTH & HOME CARE Section: 14-2
Emergency: Bites - Human __RN
PURPOSE:
To prevent infection or other complications from a
human bite.
CONSIDERATIONS:
Human bites that break the skin may become seriously
infected because the mouth is a source of bacteria.
EQUIPMENT:
Gloves – if available
Soap and water
Clean or sterile gauze
Tape
PROCEDURE:
1. Adhere to Universal Precautions.
2. Explain procedure to patient.
3. Cleanse the wound with soap and water.
4. Control bleeding.
5. Cover with a non-medicated dressing.
6. Secure dressing with tape.
7. Discard soiled supplies in appropriate containers.
AFTER CARE:
1. Contact the physician to report the incident and
obtain further orders.
2. Contact the nursing supervisor to report the incident
then complete the written incident report form and
submit to supervisor within 72hrs.
2. Document in patient's record:
a. Incident and degree of injury.
b. Treatment provided.
c. Patient's response to treatment.
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