Acute wound
An acute wound generally occurs following a specific event, such as:
- a cut;
- a fall;
- a surgical procedure;
- or trauma.
When conditions are favourable, it usually follows a relatively predictable healing process.
Nursing care · Saint‑HyacintheWounds and dressings
Wound care: assessment, dressings and healing follow-up
Care adapted to how your wound evolves.
A wound may seem simple at first, but its healing depends on many factors: its depth, its location, its cause, the condition of the surrounding skin, circulation, certain chronic diseases and the risk of infection.
At the Clinique IPS du Palais, wound care includes wound assessment, establishing or adjusting the care plan, dressing changes, follow-up after certain procedures and suture removal when healing allows.
The goal is not just to change a dressing, but to monitor how the wound evolves and quickly identify anything that could slow healing or require additional care.
Assessment
Why have a wound assessed?
The appearance of a wound can change quickly.
INESSS recommends a structured approach to assessing and managing acute and chronic wounds, in particular by adapting treatment to the type of tissue present and how the wound evolves.1
An assessment makes it possible to observe, among other things:
- the size and depth of the wound;
- the tissues present in the wound bed;
- the amount and appearance of drainage;
- the condition of the skin around the wound;
- pain;
- possible signs of infection;
- changes since the last treatment;
- and certain factors that may hinder healing.
Care plan
What is a wound care plan?
The care plan specifies how the wound should be managed. This plan may need to be changed over time.
A dressing that was appropriate at the start of healing is not necessarily appropriate a few days or weeks later.
Depending on the situation, it may include, among other things:
- the cleansing method;
- the type of dressing;
- how often it is changed;
- protection of the surrounding skin;
- measures to control moisture;
- pain monitoring;
- and how often reassessments take place.
Types of wounds
Are all wounds treated the same way?
No.
The choice of care depends, among other things, on the type of wound and its cause. Management may differ for:
- a traumatic wound
- a wound after a surgical procedure
- a chronic wound
- a pressure injury
- a wound associated with a circulation problem
- a foot wound in a person with diabetes
- a wound showing signs of complications
That is why an individualized assessment is important.
Understanding
Acute or chronic wound: what is the difference?
Chronic wound
A wound is considered chronic when its healing is delayed or does not progress normally. Various factors may be involved, including:
- circulation problems;
- diabetes;
- prolonged pressure;
- certain mobility problems;
- certain diseases;
- or other factors that disrupt healing.
A chronic wound generally requires more structured follow-up.
Dressings
Why is the choice of dressing important?
A dressing does not only serve to cover a wound. Depending on the type used, it can help to:
- protect the wound;
- manage drainage;
- maintain an environment that promotes healing;
- protect the surrounding skin;
- reduce some of the trauma caused during dressing changes;
- and meet specific needs identified during the assessment.
There are many types of dressings. The choice therefore depends on the actual condition of the wound rather than on a product used routinely for all patients.1
What is observed during a dressing change?
A dressing change is also an opportunity to reassess the wound. The nurse may observe, among other things:
- changes in size;
- the depth;
- the appearance of the tissues;
- drainage;
- odour, when present;
- the surrounding skin;
- pain;
- and the presence of signs that may require a reassessment.
The dressing can then be replaced according to the established care plan.
Healing
How does a wound heal?
Healing is a complex biological process that involves several phases.
Inflammatory phase
Immediately after an injury, the body triggers a response that helps, among other things, to control bleeding and begin repair. Some redness or tenderness may be normal at first.
Rebuilding phase
New tissue then begins to form to gradually fill the wound.
Remodelling phase
The scar then continues to change and strengthen over a period that may be prolonged.
These stages may overlap. The speed of healing varies considerably from one person to another.
Slow healing
What factors can slow healing?
Several factors can influence healing.
A wound that heals slowly therefore sometimes warrants a broader investigation than simply changing the dressing.
Depending on the situation, professionals may take into account, among other things:
- blood circulation;
- diabetes;
- nutritional status;
- smoking;
- certain medications;
- age;
- certain diseases;
- infection;
- pressure or repeated trauma on the wound;
- and the ability to follow the care plan.
Signs to watch for
What signs may suggest an infection?
Certain changes should draw attention. They may include, among others:
- increasing redness;
- significant warmth around the wound;
- pain that is getting worse;
- swelling;
- new or increasing drainage;
- pus;
- rapid deterioration in the appearance of the wound;
- fever;
- or a decline in general condition.
The presence of a single sign does not necessarily mean that an infection is present, but a worrying change should be assessed.
When should I seek care quickly?
Some situations require more urgent medical assessment. Seek care quickly if there is, for example:
- heavy bleeding that does not stop;
- severe pain or pain that increases rapidly;
- a loss of sensation;
- significant abnormal discolouration;
- fever or chills;
- redness that spreads rapidly;
- a deep wound;
- exposure of deep structures;
- or rapid deterioration of the wound.
In a serious situation or an emergency, do not wait for a regular clinic appointment.
Diabetes
Do wounds in people with diabetes require special attention?
Yes.
Diabetes can affect healing, and some people may also have reduced sensation or circulation problems. A foot wound in a person with diabetes particularly warrants a careful assessment.
Key points
A small lesion can sometimes progress without causing much pain.
It is therefore important not to rely solely on the intensity of symptoms to judge how serious a wound is.
Pressure injuries
What is a pressure injury?
A pressure injury is localized damage to the skin or underlying tissues that occurs, in particular, when an area is subjected to prolonged or repeated pressure.
Areas over a bony prominence can be particularly vulnerable.
The RNAO recommendations (4th edition, 2024) address risk assessment, prevention and treatment of pressure injuries, and are intended for the entire interprofessional team.2
Management may require:
- a structured assessment;
- reducing pressure on the area;
- local care;
- skin monitoring;
- and sometimes the involvement of several professionals.
After a procedure
After minor surgery
A wound after a minor procedure must also be monitored. During follow-up, the nurse may assess, among other things:
- the condition of the scar;
- wound closure;
- pain;
- drainage;
- redness;
- and the presence of possible complications.
Recommendations are then adapted as the wound progresses.
When should sutures be removed?
Sutures should not be removed simply because a certain number of days have passed. The appropriate time depends, among other things, on:
- the location of the wound;
- the type of closure;
- how it is evolving;
- the tension on the skin;
- and the instructions given by the professional who performed the repair.
Healing must therefore be assessed before removal. If the wound is not sufficiently closed, removal may be postponed.
When available, the instructions received at the time of suturing should be brought to the appointment.
At home
Can I change my own dressing?
In some situations, yes. When a patient can perform part of the care themselves, the nurse can explain:
- how to clean the wound;
- how to handle the supplies;
- how to apply the dressing;
- how often to change it;
- what is considered expected progress;
- and which signs should lead to a consultation.
Education is therefore an integral part of care.
Can a wound get wet?
It depends on the wound, the dressing and the procedure performed.
Some wounds can be exposed to water according to specific instructions, while others must be kept dry for a set period.
Follow the recommendations given for your situation rather than applying a general rule.
Why is the skin around the wound important?
The surrounding skin plays an important role in healing. Prolonged exposure to moisture or drainage can, in particular, weaken the skin.
The assessment therefore also includes observing this area to detect:
- irritation;
- maceration;
- redness;
- lesions;
- or other changes that may require a change to the care plan.
Your appointment
How is care provided?
Wound assessment
The nurse examines the wound, the surrounding skin and the factors that may influence healing.
Cleaning
The wound is cleansed as needed and according to the appropriate care plan.
Choice of dressing
A suitable dressing is chosen based on the assessment.
Health education
The care to be done at home and what to watch for are explained to the patient.
Follow-up
The wound is reassessed at the set frequency. If it is not progressing as expected, the plan may be adjusted or an additional assessment may be recommended.
When might an NP be involved?
Some situations may require a more in-depth assessment. A consultation with an NP may be recommended, for example, when:
- the wound is getting worse
- worrying signs appear
- an infection is suspected
- healing is abnormally slow
- further investigation is needed
- the situation goes beyond the scope of the established nursing care plan
The goal is to ensure continuity of care when the wound’s progress requires it.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a prescription to have a wound assessed?
It depends on the care requested and the context. A nursing assessment can help determine your needs and the appropriate care.
Should I bring my dressings?
If you already have a care plan or prescribed supplies, it is helpful to bring them to your appointment. The clinic will be able to determine what should be used or replaced.
How many dressing changes will be needed?
There is no set number. The frequency depends on the wound, the dressing used, the drainage and how healing progresses.
Is it normal for a wound to hurt?
Some pain may be present depending on the type of wound. However, pain that increases significantly or is unusual warrants a reassessment.
Should a wound be left uncovered to heal?
Not necessarily. Modern wound care generally aims to provide an environment suited to healing based on the type of wound. Whether to leave a wound uncovered or cover it therefore depends on the clinical situation.
Should I disinfect my wound with alcohol or peroxide?
You should not routinely apply an antiseptic or product to a wound without a recommendation suited to the situation. The cleansing method and products used must match the type of wound and the care plan.
Fees
Wound care at the Clinique IPS du Palais
The Clinique IPS du Palais offers wound care in Saint-Hyacinthe, including assessment, dressing changes and certain follow-ups after procedures.
Wound assessment
95 $
Complete assessment of the wound and surrounding skin by a nurse. Among other things, the professional checks the condition of the wound, how it is evolving and whether complications may be present.
A care plan, recommendations and the frequency of dressing changes are then determined according to the situation.
Dressing change
85 $
Cleansing of the wound, assessment of its progress and replacement of the dressing according to the established care plan.
If the wound worsens or shows worrying signs, an additional assessment or a consultation with an NP may be recommended.
Suture removal
35 $
Assessment of healing and removal of sutures when the wound has healed sufficiently.
Removal may be postponed if the condition of the wound does not allow it to be done safely.
Follow-up after minor surgery
60 $
Assessment of healing after a minor procedure.
Among other things, the nurse checks the condition of the wound, healing and whether complications may be present, then provides the recommendations needed for continued care.
Good to know
Specialized dressings, supplies and equipment needed may result in additional charges depending on the care provided.
An additional $70 fee applies for non-members.
In case of heavy bleeding, severe pain, fever or rapid deterioration of the wound, contact the clinic to be directed to the appropriate resource.
Sources
- Institut national d’excellence en santé et en services sociaux (INESSS). Publication de recommandations et d’outils cliniques sur les soins de plaies. January 30, 2023, accessed October 4, 2026. inesss.qc.ca
- Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO). Pressure injury management: Risk assessment, prevention and treatment, 4th edition. November 2024, accessed October 4, 2026. rnao.ca
The information on this page is provided for informational purposes and does not replace an assessment by a health professional. In an emergency, do not wait for a regular clinic appointment.