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).
MD0540
4-10