A nurse is performing a dressing change for a hospitalized client with an infected surgical incision. Which actions should the nurse take?
A)Have the client remove the existing dressing while the nurse prepares sterile supplies
B)Wear clean gloves for removal and application of a new dressing
C)Wear clean gloves to remove the existing dressing, changing to sterile gloves to apply the new dressing
D)Wear sterile gloves, gown, and goggles to remove the soiled existing dressing

Question

A nurse is performing a dressing change for a hospitalized client with an infected surgical incision.  Which actions should the nurse take?
A)Have the client remove the existing dressing while the nurse prepares sterile supplies
B)Wear clean gloves for removal and application of a new dressing
C)Wear clean gloves to remove the existing dressing, changing to sterile gloves to apply the new dressing
D)Wear sterile gloves, gown, and goggles to remove the soiled existing dressing

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The existing dressing is already contaminated so clean gloves can be worn to remove and discard it. Surgical wounds should be re-dressed using aseptic technique, which would require sterile gloves and sterile dressing supplies. The nurse should carefully remove the soiled dressing to avoid shedding any microorganisms into the air and expose the wound for minimal time to avoid additional contamination. (Option A) It would be better for the nurse to perform the dressing change as the wound is already infected. The client may be able to assist in the home setting. (Option B) Clean gloves can be used for removal but not for application of a new dressing. (Option D) Sterile gloves are not needed to remove the existing dressing. A gown and goggles may be required if splashing is possible. Educational objective: When changing the dressing of a surgical incision, the nurse may wear clean gloves to remove the existing dressing but should wear sterile gloves to apply a new one.

A Nurse Is Performing a Dressing Change for a Hospitalized