accepted dressing change techniques

Hi,

I am a RN and I need to know what the correct procedure is to do a clean dressing change on a decubitus ulcer. That is, from start to finish: checking the doctor's/prescriber's order to disposing of the soiled materials. Or, al least tell me where I can find the precise protocol.

My colleagues and I are not on on the same page when it comes to the proper steps. Where we especially differ is: after cleansing the wound/ulcer with NS, and it is ready for the treatment to be applied, does the nurse remove her gloves, wash her hands and then with a fresh pair of gloves apply the treatment and DPD. Or, is it not necessary to change gloves/wash hands/ don new gloves to apply the prescribed treatment?

I would so very much love to put this debate to rest and perhaps change my ways if I am wrong. FYI: I remove gloves/wash hands/don new gloves before applying the treatment and DPD. Please come to our aid, I would appreciate it so very much. Thanks alot.

Kathi

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Permalink Reply by Laurie Swezey RN, BSN, CWS,CWOCN on July 28, 2010 at 12:47am

I have always instructed nurses to remove gloves, wash hands and don new gloves prior to packing a wound with the new dressing.

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Permalink Reply by Kathi on July 29, 2010 at 7:24am

Dear Laurie,

Thank you so very much for your timely response. I am bringing the comments to my team this morning and I will keep you posted.

Thanks so very much again!

Kathi

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Permalink Reply by amy glenn on July 28, 2010 at 5:10pm

Why would you want to contaminate your new dressing with contaminated gloves? We use clean technique and "sterile touch". This requires changing gloves between old and new dressings.

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Permalink Reply by Pamela "Pam" Smith, RN,MSN,CRRN on July 28, 2010 at 6:24pm

We use clean technique (unless otherwise specified). I wear 2 pair of gloves (they are not powdered). First pair to take off the old dressing and exam. Remove. Clean gloves to put on new dressing. If there is a problem, I do change.