Puncture Wounds
When To See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:
Do you have swelling and bruising at or near a puncture wound?
See significance of swelling and bruising if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Do you have severe swelling or bruising?
Yes Do you have increased swelling, redness, or warmth around a wound over a joint?
Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Did a lot of swelling and bruising begin within 30 minutes after the puncture wound?
Yes Did swelling begin after a puncture wound to a joint area?
You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Has swelling from a puncture wound (not over a joint) increased over the past 24 hours despite home treatment?
Yes Have you had a moderate amount of swelling from a puncture wound for 2 to 3 days, but it does not interfere with normal function?
If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
| 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 | |
 | ||
| |