in observing medical and surgical asepsis when changing dressings. It is especially
important to wash hands thoroughly before and after changing dressings and to follow the
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines (figure 8-9).
Precautions for Contact with Blood and Body Fluids
Wear gloves when touching blood, body fluids
containing visible blood, an open wound, or non-
intact skin of all clients and when handling items
or surfaces soiled with blood or body fluids.
Wash hands thoroughly after removing gloves
and if contaminated with blood or with body fluids
that contain visible blood.
Take precautions to prevent injuries by needles,
sharp instruments, or sharp devices.
Do not give direct client care if you have open or
weeping lesions or dermatitis.
If procedures commonly cause droplets or
splashing of blood or body fluids to which universal
precautions apply, wear gloves, a surgical mask,
and protective eyewear, as appropriate.
Figure 8-9. Guidelines.
8-24. GENERAL POSTOPERATIVE NURSING IMPLICATIONS
a. Monitor vital signs as ordered.
b. Report elevated temperature and rapid/weak pulse immediately to supervisor
(infection).
c. Report lowered blood pressure and increased pulse to supervisor (hypovolemic
shock).
d. Administer analgesics as ordered.
e. Apply all nursing implications related to the patient receiving analgesics whether
narcotic or nonnarcotic, to include the following.
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