Measuring wounds when I can't see the ruler?

Nurses General Nursing

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Every week now I seem to come up with another lists of things I need to learn to do correctly that I didn't learn in school or didn't realize would be an issue in school. I never really had to do much with wound care in school because all the facilities I was at had a wound care nurse. Secondly the only wound measuring tool I had was the plastic sheet kind with a measuring circle.

When I went to do my skin assessment at work I asked for something to measure the wound with and got a long cutip with markings on the side. I could barely see the lines and this made measuring extremely difficult for me.

I thought about getting a regular ruler to use, but really think I need something disposable since I know I shouldn't be bringing it room to room. I don't see how I can measure wounds accurately if I can't see the markings. I thought about just printing out some paper strips on my computer too. Maybe I should get magnifying glasses and just use their tool? Suggestions? What's worked for you?

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Specializes in Nephrology.

This is what I've used before. Disposable paper rulers. If you can talk your facility into getting some or if you're willing to spend a little out of pocket, it's only $20 for 250 of them on Amazon.

Amazon.com: Wound Measuring Rulers - Wound Measuring Ruler, 25 sheets/pad, 10 pads/pack, 250 Unit / Pack Model MSCEDURULER: Health & Personal Care

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Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.

You're trying to measure the depth of the wound, right?

In that case, use the Q-tip, but make a mark where the Q-tip is flush with the skin. If you use a Sharpee, that should do the trick. You can measure after you remove the Q-tip from the wound.

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You're trying to measure the depth of the wound, right?

In that case, use the Q-tip, but make a mark where the Q-tip is flush with the skin. If you use a Sharpee, that should do the trick. You can measure after you remove the Q-tip from the wound.

No she gave me this to measure width x length. For depth this ruler makes sense. I am going to search the central supply room to see if they actually have a better ruler/guide available on my next shift. I'm just trying to be prepared if they don't.

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This is what I've used before. Disposable paper rulers. If you can talk your facility into getting some or if you're willing to spend a little out of pocket, it's only $20 for 250 of them on Amazon.

Amazon.com: Wound Measuring Rulers - Wound Measuring Ruler, 25 sheets/pad, 10 pads/pack, 250 Unit / Pack Model MSCEDURULER: Health & Personal Care

Thanks. I may just spend the $. Going to look harder to make sure they really don't have anything else

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Specializes in OB.

Do you work in a hospital? If so, go over to OB and get a handful of the paper measuring tapes they use to measure newborns.

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Do you work in a hospital? If so, go over to OB and get a handful of the paper measuring tapes they use to measure newborns.

Nope in a nursing home. I am finding they are lacking in supplies that I thought were standard. This is just one example. Initially I was thinking I could maybe use a regular ruler and just disinfect it after each use, but I seriously may buy some paper measuring rulers to keep with me if I can't find any there.

I actually like the job thus far and think there is a lot of learning opportunities for me and it is a good fit for my ability level right now.

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Who's your wound care supplier? They may send you some disposable paper rulers.

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