Date
of Last Review 9/5/08
SME: Infection Control Manager
This topic explains how the nursing staff applies a sterile dressing.
This table describes the application process:
Stage |
Description |
1 |
Preparing for the application. |
2 |
Removing the existing dressing. |
3 |
Applying the new dressing. |
4 |
Educating the patient. |
Wear the following PPE when performing this procedure:
 | Gown |
| Sterile gloves |
| Mask |
Supplies:
| Medicated ointment and/or solutions as ordered by a physician |
| Dressings and applicators as needed |
| Plastic disposal bag and red bio-hazard bag |
| Tape |
| Antiseptic solution |
| Sterile saline |
Equipment:
| Appropriate containers for medicated ointment and/or solutions |
| Instrument set if needed |
| Sterile basin |
The nurse follows these steps to prepare for dressing application:
Step |
Action | ||||||
1 |
Gather the following as detailed above:
| ||||||
2 |
Make the necessary arrangements to maintain privacy during the procedure. Note: Dressing changes should take place in the examination room. | ||||||
3 |
Explain the procedure to the patient. | ||||||
4 |
Position the dressing set on the table. | ||||||
5 |
Wash your hands with antiseptic solution. | ||||||
6 |
Open the dressing set without touching the contents. | ||||||
7 |
Leave the dressing set on the open wrapper. Reason: The wrapper provides a sterile environment for the dressing set. | ||||||
8 |
Open the sterile supplies and pour the necessary solutions. |
The nurse follows these steps to remove the patient's existing dressing:
Step |
Action | ||||
1 |
Loosen the tape on the patient's existing dressing. | ||||
2 |
Put on sterile gloves. | ||||
3 |
Remove the dressing, using forceps, if required | ||||
4 |
Place the used dressing and forceps in a plastic bag. | ||||
5 |
Does the wound require cleaning?
| ||||
6 |
Clean the wound with a sterile applicator using a circular motion beginning at the center of the wound and extending outward. | ||||
7 |
Place the used applicator(s) in a plastic bag. Caution: Do not touch the wound site with a used applicator(s). | ||||
8 |
Observe the wound for complications. Examples: Discoloration, edema, purulent drainage |
The nurse follows these steps to apply sterile dressing:
Step |
Action | ||||||||
1 |
Apply the sterile dressing. | ||||||||
2 |
Remove your gloves and place them in a plastic bag. | ||||||||
3 |
Tape the new dressing in place. | ||||||||
4 |
Double-bag the contaminated articles closing each bag securely. | ||||||||
5 |
Place these bags inside a red plastic bag outside of the room. | ||||||||
6 |
Wash your hands using the proper technique. Reference: See Hand Washing. | ||||||||
7 |
Clean up the treatment room and complete the charge tickets for materials used. | ||||||||
8 |
Document the following in the patient's record:
| ||||||||
9 |
Report any unusual findings to the physician. |
The nurse follows these steps to educate the patient about the care of his/her wound and dressing:
Step |
Action | ||||||||
1 |
Instruct the patient to keep his/her hands off of the wound. | ||||||||
2 |
Instruct the patient to report the following about the wound site to a nurse or physician:
| ||||||||
3 |
Is the patient returning home or to a halfway house?
|
The Joint Commission : Surveillance, Prevention, and Control of Infection
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