i. Mask, If Needed. A mask may be needed to protect the wound from
contamination by microorganisms from your respiratory system. Once you have begun
the irrigation, do not touch or adjust your mask since this action could transfer
microorganisms from you to the wound or from the wound to you. To don the mask,
place the mask on your face and pull the elastic over your head.
j. Remove Soiled Dressings, If Any. See paragraphs 4-5f through k.
k. Wash Hands. Perform a patient care handwash.
l.
Prepare Irrigation Equipment.
(1) Check to make sure that you are using the correct solution before you
start. If you are using a standard sterile water solution or normal saline solution, check
for the date and time on the bottle. Once opened, the water/saline is considered sterile
for 24 hours. If the solution has been open for more than 24 hours, discard the solution
and obtain another bottle. If you open a new bottle, write the date and time that it was
opened on the label.
(2) Open the sterile solution basin on the bedside stand using sterile
technique. The opened wrapper will be used as your sterile field.
(3) Pour the prescribed irrigation solution into the basin without
contaminating the sterile field.
(4) Open container with the asepto syringe and place it on the sterile field
using sterile technique.
(5) Open the 4 x 8-inch sponges, and place them on the sterile field using
sterile technique.
(6)
Put on the sterile gloves.
(7) Position the sterile solution basin on the sterile drape against the area of
the body to be irrigated.
m. Irrigate the Wound.
(1) Position the emesis basin beneath the wound so that the solution used
to irrigate the wound will drain into the basin.
(2) Using a 4 x 8 gauze sponge, pat the wound dry. Start at the center of
the wound and move outward toward the edges. Then dispose of the pad.
(3)
Fill the syringe with irrigating solution.
MD0540
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