Sterile Procedures
LESSON 4: Procedures Used in Wound Care
4-7
4-7. PROCEDURES FOR APPLYING A STERILE DRESSING
a. Change Gloves or Forceps. If you are using the sterile gloves and forceps and your gloves have not been contaminated by the wound, use a new sterile forceps. If you are not using a forceps or if your gloves have been contaminated by contact with the drainage from the wound, remove your gloves and put on new sterile gloves.
b. Dry the Wound. Pat the wound dry with sterile gauze sponges.
(1) Start at the center of the wound.
(2) Move outward toward the wound edges.
c. Apply a Sterile Inner Dressing. The number of gauze pads used may vary depending upon the wound.
Figure 4-8. Apply a sterile dressing.
(1) Lay a sterile 4 x 4 gauze dressing over the lower part of the wound (figure 4-8, first).
(2) Overlap the first dressing with a second dressing (figure 4-8, second).
(3) Overlap the second dressing with a third dressing (figure 4-8, third).
c. Apply Outer Dressing. Completely overlap all the inner gauze dressings with a large outer dressing (figure 4-8, large). If a drain is in place, cut one of the dressing squares halfway through and position it around the drain (figure 4-9).
Figure 4-9. Apply a sterile dressing around a drain.
d. Secure Outer Dressing.
(1) Remove your gloves and mask.
(2) Place a strip of tape diagonally across the outer dressing so that both ends of the tape are anchored to the skin.
(3) Place a strip of tape along one of the long edges of the dressing so that both ends of the tape are anchored to the skin and the rest of the strip is half on the dressing and half on the skin.
(4) Place a strip of tape on the opposite long edge using the same procedure. (Finished product will resemble that shown in figure 4-5.)
(5) Make sure that the dressing is secure, but is not constricting blood flow below the dressing.
(6) Write the date and time the dressing was changed on one of the tape strips and initial it.
