Question

The caregiver should ___ the 4 inch x 4 inch (10 cm x 10 cm) gauze dressing before placing it at the tracheostomy site?

1) fold
2) cut
3) wet
4) sterilize

Answer 1

The caregiver should sterilize the gauze dressing before placing it at the tracheostomy site to ensure it is free from pathogens and to prevent infection.

Step-by-step explanation:

The caregiver should sterilize the 4 inch x 4 inch (10 cm x 10 cm) gauze dressing before placing it at the tracheostomy site. Medical dressings and items that come in direct contact with wounds or surgical sites must be free of pathogens to prevent infection. In the medical field, sterilization is a critical process for ensuring the safety and cleanliness of equipment and supplies that may come into contact with sterile body areas or during procedures that breach the skin barrier like a tracheostomy.