Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 74%
Simulated
A charge nurse is observing a newly licensed nurse change a client's wound dressing. Which of the following actions by the newly licensed nurse demonstrates an understanding of safe handling techniques?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
Correct Answer: B - Sterile supplies are opened prior to removing the old dressing.
Rationale: Opening sterile supplies before removing the old dressing ensures aseptic technique is maintained to prevent contamination. This step minimizes the risk of introducing pathogens to the wound, promoting optimal healing.
Summary of other choices:
A: Placing the soiled dressing on a nearby table increases the risk of contamination and is not a safe handling technique.
C: Discarding clean gloves after removing the old dressing is wasteful and unnecessary, as long as the gloves remain uncontaminated.
D: Cleaning the wound from the outside to the center can introduce contaminants into the wound, which is not recommended for safe handling.
Rationale: Opening sterile supplies before removing the old dressing ensures aseptic technique is maintained to prevent contamination. This step minimizes the risk of introducing pathogens to the wound, promoting optimal healing.
Summary of other choices:
A: Placing the soiled dressing on a nearby table increases the risk of contamination and is not a safe handling technique.
C: Discarding clean gloves after removing the old dressing is wasteful and unnecessary, as long as the gloves remain uncontaminated.
D: Cleaning the wound from the outside to the center can introduce contaminants into the wound, which is not recommended for safe handling.