¶ … performing a clean and sterile technique wound dressing change. The term sterile refers to being free from microorganisms, making the sterile technique method one that reduces exposure to microorganisms in a comprehensive way. Sterile wound dressing changes would mean meticulous hand washing, the use of sterile field, use of sterile gloves, and sterile instruments (Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (Potter, et al., 2013; WOCN, 2012). The sterile techniques would be important in acute care and other settings in which patients may be at high risk for infection (WOCN, 2012).

The clean wound dressing change techniques imply methods that are sensible for reducing overall exposure to microorganisms or exposure to infections, but which do not count directly upon "sterile to sterile" rules (WOCN, 2012). Thus, meticulous hand washing and sterile environment are called for, but the process does not strictly deny contact between sterile instruments and non-sterile surfaces or products. While the clean wound dressing procedure minimizes exposure to microorganisms and reduces chances for infection, it is not as rigorous as the sterile method. The clean wound dressing change techniques are effective for home health care and for patients receiving routine dressings who are not at high risk for infections.

2. Describe the steps you will use to perform...

Hand hygiene goes beyond just washing with soap and water, though. The hands need to be washed with an antiseptic agent such as antimicrobial soap, which would reduce bacterial counts on the hands for a long period of time (Perry & Potter, 2012). Alcohol-based products can be extremely helpful at this initial step.
The next step would be to remove the soiled dressing gently. This may entail rolling it, or it might require lifting it, but when possible, the movement should be in the direction of hair growth to minimize discomfort. An inspection would be then required prior to cleaning, to make sure that color and drainage are normal for the stage of healing.

Then, I would clean the wound using pads pre-moistened with the cleaning solution or by using a spray solution. The appropriate movement would be moving from the least contaminated to the most contaminated area, using a clean pad for each wipe (Lippincott Nursing Center, 2008). After cleaning the wound, I would dry the wound using sterile gauze pads, and dress the wound appropriately while taking into account its conditions and any complications.

3. What is a wound dehiscence? What nursing interventions can prevent wound dehiscence?

Wound dehiscence occurs when the layers of the wound…