The nurse is preparing to change the dressing on a client’s postoperat

The nurse is preparing to change the dressing on a client’s postoperative wound. Place in order the steps the nurse should perform when removing the soiled dressing.

1. Assess the location, type, and odor of wound drainage.
2. Remove the outer dressing.
3. Discard the under dressing in a moisture-proof bag, and remove and discard gloves.
4. Remove the under dressing.
5. Apply clean gloves.
6. Place the soiled dressing in a moisture-proof bag.

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 5, 2, 6, 4, 1, 3
Rationale 1: Once the under dressing is removed, the nurse should assess the location, type, and odor of any wound drainage.
Rationale 2: The nurse should then remove the outer dressing.
Rationale 3: The nurse should then discard the under dressing in a moisture-proof bag and remove and discard the gloves.
Rationale 4: The nurse should next remove the under dressing.
Rationale 5: The nurse first should apply clean gloves.
Rationale 6: The nurse should place the soiled outer dressing in a moisture-proof bag.