Outline the steps to perform a sterile wound dressing change.

• A. Gather sterile supplies; perform hand hygiene; don sterile gloves; remove old dressing; inspect the wound; cleanse from clean to dirty; apply new dressing; secure; document; dispose of waste
• B. Apply dressing with non-sterile gloves; do not inspect wound
• C. Skip hand hygiene; no wound inspection
• D. Re-use old dressing

Answer: (A)

Sterile wound dressing changes rely on maintaining a sterile field to prevent infection and support healing. Begin by gathering all sterile supplies so you don’t have to search and risk contamination. Perform hand hygiene to remove transient microbes, then put on sterile gloves to preserve the sterile barrier. Remove the old dressing carefully and dispose of it in the appropriate waste container. As you remove the old dressing, inspect the wound and surrounding skin for drainage, color changes, odor, or signs of infection, and note any concerns for documentation. Cleanse the wound using a clean-to-dirty sequence, typically starting with surrounding intact skin and moving toward the wound, using a new portion of gauze for each wipe to avoid transferring contaminants into the wound. Apply the new dressing in a sterile manner, ensuring it fully covers the wound and is secured without being overly tight. Document the procedure and the wound assessment, and dispose of all waste according to policy. Afterward, perform hand hygiene and remove gloves properly.