Learning Outcome: Eighty percent (80%) of learners will identify trauma wound characteristics that need to be documented Eighty percent (80%) of learners will state how ballistic evidence is to be managed.
Overview/Abstract: Violence is prevalent in society. It is inevitable that perioperative nurses will need to provide care for these patients. An important aspect of providing care for these patients is the management of ballistics and/or documentation of wounds. The quality of this documentation can have ripple effects in the legal arena if these cases should pass through the legal system. In addition, it is imperative nurses document wounds in great detail.
Description of Current State: Lack of awareness on what is necessary requirements for documentation and management of ballistics.
Description of Desired/Achievable State: Differentiate the types of wounds trauma patients may present with. Document wound appearance correctly. State how to manage ballistic evidence. Prepare patient for postmortem care.
Audience Engagement: Polling questions Sharing of experiences Question and answer
Additional Information:
Content/Topics: Traumatic Wounds: -lacerations -gunshot wounds -Incised wounds -avulsions -abrasions -ecchymosis Ballistic Evidence -Chain of command -packaging Post Mortem prep -autopsy vs ME case
References: Atkinson, , L.J., and Fortunato, NancyMarie. (1996). Berry & Kohn's Operating Room Technique, 8th Edition. Mosby. Faugno, D.K., Mitchell, S.A., Dievers, V., Pederson, S.L., Volz, J.M. and Speck, P.M. (2022). Introduction to Forensic Nursing: Principles and Practice. STM Leaning. Lynch, V.A. (2006). Forensic Nursing. Elsevier. Ozkan, E., Surmeli, S., Albayrak, T. (2025). Healthcare Professionals' Knowledge level regarding forensic cases in the Intensive care and Operation room. Journal Basic Clinical Health Science, 9, 141-149. Pyrek, K.M. (2006). Forensic Nursing. Taylor & Francis Group. Rothrock, Jane C. (2015). Alexander's Care of the Patient in Surgery, 15th edition. Elsevier. Smock, SW.S. Forensic Evaluation and Documentation of Gunshot Wounds, Alliance for Hope, San Diego, CA. August 29, 2023.
