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 1) 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 2) Clean gloves can be used for removal but not for application of a new dressing.
(Option 4) 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.
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 1) 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 2) Clean gloves can be used for removal but not for application of a new dressing.
(Option 4) 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.
