Question

A nurse is assisting with a sterile dressing change for an adolescent who has a partial thickness burn on the right hip. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

(a) Don sterile gloves and a mask.
(b) Remove the old dressing and discard it in a designated container.
(c) Cleanse the burn wound with sterile saline solution.
(d) Apply a non-adherent burn dressing to the wound.

Answer 1

The nurse should first don sterile gloves and a mask to maintain a sterile environment before proceeding with any other actions in the dressing change process.

Step-by-step explanation:

In response to the question of which action a nurse should take first when assisting with a sterile dressing change for an adolescent who has a partial thickness burn on the right hip, the correct first action is to don sterile gloves and a mask.

When performing such a procedure, establishing a sterile field is crucial to prevent infection. Thus, before removing the old dressing (option b), cleansing the wound (option c), or applying a new sterile dressing (option d), the nurse must ensure their hands are clean and that they are wearing the appropriate protective attire to maintain sterility.

This process aligns with infection control protocols which emphasize hand hygiene and the use of protective barriers like gloves and masks. This practice plays a crucial role in protecting the patient from bacterial infection and in promoting a safe environment for wound healing.